11 signs you’ve been exposed to hackers
The internet has become so ingrained into our day to day lives, that sometime we don’t fully appreciate the risks involved. We need to be aware of the fact that hackers still represent a huge security threat. Here are 11 tell-tale signs your computer has been exposed to hackers.
1. You’re receiving fake antivirus messages
While not nearly as prevalent as they used to be, a fake antivirus warning is a sure sign your system has been compromised. By the time the fake message appears the damage has often already been done, and malicious software may have already made use of unpatched software on your system.
2. Unwanted browser toolbars
If you’ve noticed your browser now has multiple toolbars that you haven’t installed, that’s probably not a good thing. Names may seem to indicate legitimate sources, but unless you’ve installed the additional toolbars yourself odds are you’ve been exposed to malicious computer hackers.
3. Redirected internet searches
Hackers make a living out of redirecting people’s browsers to places they don’t want to go. Usually these redirected internet searches are well-hidden from users by additional proxies, but if you type common words into most search engines and scan the results you should know if something’s up.
4. Frequent random popups
Frequent random popups are probably the most obvious (and annoying) sign that your computer has been exposed. If you’re getting random browser popups when you visit websites that don’t normally generate them then that’s generally a sure sign that your system has been compromised.
5. Friends receive fake emails
While this form of hacker attack is by no means as popular as it used to be, malware programs and hackers can still pull email addresses and contact lists from social media sites. Often the bogus emails now won’t have your address as the sender, but they may use your name.
6. Online passwords suddenly change
Obviously if your password changed and you don’t remember doing it this is cause for concern. Often this happens when someone has responded to an authentic-looking phish email that collects login information, logins and changes the passwords which hackers with bad intensions can use.
7. Unexpected software installs
Most malware programs these days like Trojan viruses and worms typically install themselves in the same manner as legitimate programs. So it stands to figure if you’ve noticed some unexpected software suddenly appearing in your Downloads folder you’re in a bit of strife.
8. Mouse pointer moves itself
While it may look as though your computer has suddenly become possessed by a poltergeist, if your computer mouse pointer is moving on its own volution there could be some hackers at play. Hackers have been known to log into idle computer, break into your bank account and steal money.
9. Anti-malware software is disabled and won’t restart
If your anti-malware software is suddenly disabled and won’t start up again then that’s probably a sign that things have taken a turn for the worst. Similarly, if you can’t get into Task Manager or Registry Editor or they start and disappear, or even start in a reduced state that could be bad.
10. Your bank account is missing money
This is probably the most obvious sign, and definitely the hardest one to take. Hackers have been known to get online, break into someone’s account and transfer large sums of money to themselves. If you notice something a bit irregular about your bank account, contact your bank immediately.
11. Calls from store about non-payment of shipped goods
If someone from Uzbekistan is calling about the delivery fee for your drone that you never actually bought that’s probably not a good sign. Whenever this happens make sure you take the appropriate action and ensure your computer and the security of your overall system hasn’t been compromised.