5 Ways to Spot If Your Computer Has Been Hacked

When you suspect that your computer or network has been compromised, the natural response is often panic. Yet, how you proceed in the wake of a breach can truly determine the outcome, whether it’s a minor setback or a catastrophic event leading to legal repercussions, substantial fines, and severe disruptions to your business operations.

In today’s article, we’ve tapped into the expertise of our cybersecurity professionals to outline the key indicators of a compromised system, as well as provide you with a clear roadmap of the five essential steps to take immediately upon detecting any breach in your network. These proactive measures are vital in mitigating irreversible damage and protecting your digital assets.

Signs of an Issue

According to IBM’s latest cybersecurity report, data breaches typically remain undetected and unreported for an astonishing average of 277 days. This seemingly implausible timeframe underscores the stealthy nature of cyber threats. Despite the potential for swift and substantial damage posed by malware, viruses, keylogging, and other malicious agents, many users fail to recognize the telltale signs until irreversible harm has already been inflicted.

Moreover, several primary indicators of a breach often masquerade as symptoms of a sluggish or outdated computer or operating system. Should you encounter any of these red flags, it’s prudent to promptly engage your IT team. Whether it’s a malicious attack or not, they possess the expertise to navigate the situation effectively. They can either implement necessary security measures or address system performance issues by updating software or replacing hardware. Here are some key signs that your system may be compromised:

• – Sluggish computer or network performance
• – Frequent freezes or abrupt crashes
• – Sudden influx of pop-up notifications
• – Locked user accounts
• – Unanticipated alternations to files
• – Anomalies in system behavior, such as continued activity post-shutdown
• – Unusual account activity

What To Do Next

Experiencing any of these issues can be concerning, and the actions you take next are crucial. Here’s the guidance from our team of experts:

In the event of a cyberattack, additional measures, such as implementing a PR communications strategy and notifying relevant authorities, may be necessary. However, the priority is swift containment and engaging qualified cybersecurity professionals. Time is of the essence in such situations.

For ongoing protection against cyber threats, consider scheduling a FREE cybersecurity assessment with our reliable and trustworthy team. These assessments comprehensively evaluate your network for vulnerabilities and devise tailored strategies to address them proactively. Prevention is far more cost-effective than remediation, so secure your assessment today through our website or by calling 440-471-8210.