While there are many advantages to interconnectivity, there are plenty of dangers. For example, without even having to surf hazardous sites, I could discover that my computer had been hacked one day.
You don’t have to be remarkably inexperienced in the cyber world to fall into traps or become a victim of attacks on your computer. In many cases, the threats lurk in our digital space are hidden even among our everyday tools. So here I tell you about it.
Signs that my computer has been hacked
Is it possible that someone hacked my computer without me realizing it? The short answer is yes, but it’s a bit more complex than that. While many attacks are relatively subtle, they always leave consequences that we must learn to recognize.
The symptoms of hacking vary depending on the virus’s characteristics that have managed to sneak into the computer. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of any changes in your computer’s operation; some will be quieter than others, but all are harmful.
1. Strange behavior
Even if it’s not malware, you should never ignore any unusual behavior on your computer. It can be simple, such as your PC running slower than usual or some programs suddenly stopping working.
Other signs can be irregularities in your Internet connection, files whose content has been modified, antivirus stops working, and other related errors. Some attacks even cause someone else to move the pointer on your computer. All of these can indicate that a virus has penetrated your computer.
2. Sudden ads and extensions
A reasonably direct sign of hacking is the appearance of things you never installed. These are usually toolbars in your regular browser and advertising windows that pop up regularly on the Internet even if you haven’t searched or logged on to a page.
While ads and extensions are the most common, other programs or files installed on your computer may also appear.
3. Messages sent from your account
These can be unnatural links, files, advertisements, or a message pretending to be from you. If your contacts start receiving messages from you (either by mail or a social network), you can be sure you were hacked.
4. Charges on your bank cards
If you haven’t lost any of your cards and received charges for purchases you didn’t make, you can imagine what happened. However, suppose a hacker manages to get their hands on your passwords and other personal information. In that case, they’re unlikely to have a problem spending your money.
How do I know if my camera is hacked
If someone has successfully hacked into my computer, is it possible for them to hack into my camera? Again, the answer is yes. A sufficiently skilled cybercriminal can access the webcam and even use it.
There is no need to stress the seriousness of this situation. What I can tell you is how to identify if your webcam has been invaded by someone else:
– The LED light will turn on by itself. These built-in lights show when the camera is being used. However, a more experienced hacker could prevent it from turning on.
– The camera will show up in active connections or started processes in the task manager (for Windows). If you are not using your webcam, but it is stills running in any of these sections, it has probably been hacked.
– Error when trying to use it. If you use your camera and a message appears saying that it is already running, it means that someone else is using it.
Before losing your cool in the face of any of these signs, it is vital to ensure that it is not some technical problem. If you are particularly concerned about this, I recommend covering your camera lens.
What to do if my computer is hacked
Even with all possible precautions, getting hacked can be unavoidable. Therefore, knowing how to proceed without professional help is indispensable. Once you are aware of what is happening, there are some basic steps you can take to avoid further damage:
- Change your passwords and login details.
- Block your credit cards if you think your personal information has been accessed.
- Use updated antivirus to detail the problem.
- If the day comes when someone has hacked my computer, be prepared. However, prevention will always be the most valuable weapon in this cyberwar.
Keep your antivirus updated, make frequent backups, and use different passwords. Try not to download anything of dubious origin or enter suspicious links. Carefully navigating the murky waters of the Internet can save you more than one unpleasant experience.
