Hackers are consistently active, they strive to steal information and hack devices of any user. Hackers use multiple methods to gain access to accounts, devices, and information of individuals. It is often difficult to uncover if your device or account has been hacked, there are signs that help individuals to uncover if their devices have been hacked.
Here are 10 signs that show your device has been hacked:
1.Unwanted browser toolbars:
The first sign that is visible to see if your device has been hacked is that your browser has new toolbars that offer tools to assist you. Toolbars can be implemented by trusted vendors and cybersecurity providers, if a toolbar starts to show in browsers, and they are not from a trusted vendor it means that your browser has been hacked.
2. Frequent and random pop-ups:
One of the most annoying yet popular signs that highlight that your device has been hacked is frequent pop-ups from website that do not have them. If you regularly visit a website that does not have pop-ups or advertisements, and they suddenly appear, it is a sign that your device is hacked or compromised. Frequent pop-ups are also related to unwanted or unauthorised toolbars in the browser.
3. Unexplained software installed:
Trojans have the ability to install software onto devices without the knowledge of the user. Utilizing a checker to list all installed software and applications will help in uncovering if software is installed without your knowledge. License agreements sometimes state that other applications and software will be installed, so to distinguish between a hack and agreed upon software, read license agreements.
4. Device is running slower than usual:
Devices with a lot of files, folders, and information can slow down the processor and the overall functionality of a device. Yet, if a device that was one day fast and working well suddenly becomes slow as well as your network connectivity slows down, it is a sign that your device has been compromised. Slow network and internet connectivity could be from unauthorised users accessing your network, yet it could also be from a hacker that is downloading encrypting and confidential data from your hard drive of your device.
5. Redirected internet searches:
Clicking on a website link and being redirected to a completely different webpage is annoying as well as dangerous. Hackers use redirections as a method to showcase a different website or to receive clicks. The redirection is lead to malicious websites that corrupt devices through Trojans. Redirections often occur with bogus and unauthorised toolbars on browsers. Hackers hide the redirection through proxies to disguise the true destination of the link. Redirected searches are linked with pop-up ads and unwanted toolbars in the browser, if one occurs the rest will follow it is a clear indication that your device or browser has been hacked.
6. Contacts receive strange responses:
Do you receive strange messages from contacts asking you about emails or requests that they have received from you? If so, this is a sign that one of your applications or profiles have been hacked. Hackers have the ability to hack into applications that store contact information, they utilize this information by sending phishing mails, invitations, and requests to all your contacts to gain access to their devices. These attacks are mainly on social media accounts where the hackers share inappropriate or malware pretending to be the user. Once your contacts see strange activities regarding these requests, it is time to take action against hackers.
7. Online passwords are no longer working:
Using online accounts is a part of daily life, but once you entered your correct username and correct password you expect to be logged in, yet you are prompted with incorrect details. This could be a technical difficulty, try again in a few minutes, if it does the same then there is a possibility that your account has been hacked.
8. Strange browser activity:
Hackers have the ability to take control of your browser. If you discover browsing activities that you or anyone else that uses the device have visited, it means that someone has taken control over your device and your browser. Noticing strange or uncommon websites in your search history that you did not visit is the first sign that someone accessed your browser. If you store log in information on your browser, the hacker will have access to it and gain further control into your device.
9. Software is disabled:
Once hackers have gained access to any device they disable software such as antivirus, task manager and even team viewer. A clear sign that your device has been hacked is when your antivirus is no longer working, this could also be when your membership has expired, but generally if it just stops working it means that the software has been disabled to prevent the malware from being detected.
10. Software cannot be updated:
Hackers implement malware that prevent updates from occurring on any device. Your device is hacked when your antivirus does not receive the necessary update that is required to patch vulnerable systems on devices. A clear sign that your device has been hacked is when you are prevented from downloading necessary software, system or antivirus updates onto your device.
Devices get hacked daily, but learning the signs of when a hack is suspected will fast track the processes to remove the malware and prevent any further damage. Utilizing cyber security solutions offer any user peace of mind as they know their devices are monitored and protected from malware and hackers.
Secured Enterprise offers any users’ peace of mind with tailored and dedicated cyber security solutions that monitor devices to fast track the detection of any hacking activity on any devices. Users who understand the signs of when their device might be hacked could help in resolving and removing the corrupted malware from the devices.
Do your part and become cyber smart by understanding the signs of when your device is in the process of being hacked. Protect and prevent damage to your device by acting fast when you see the signs.