October may bring spooky tales of ghosts and haunted houses, but for business owners, there’s nothing more chilling than discovering your IT system has been compromised. But how can you tell if your network has fallen victim to a cyber intruder? In this article, we’ll uncover the nine telltale signs of a hack, helping you protect your business from a digital nightmare.
What are the most common indicators that you’ve been hacked?
In every horror movie, there are signs something’s wrong, from flickering lights to unexplained sounds. Similarly, your network may be showing subtle warnings, such as files appearing in odd places or unexplained account activity. Recognizing these clues can help you stop an attack before it turns into a full-blown nightmare.
A phantom presence in privileged account activity
One of the first signs of trouble is suspicious activity in accounts that have high-level access to your system. If you notice unusual login times or unexpected data downloads from privileged accounts, it might mean someone is trying to gain unauthorized access.
What to do: Regularly monitor account activity to catch intruders before they cause significant damage. Install network monitoring software that detects aberrant activity automatically.
Tampering with your security software
Attackers often disable or manipulate your security software to avoid being detected. If your antivirus software is turned off, uninstalled, or if your firewall settings have changed without your knowledge, it’s a strong sign that something is wrong.
What to do: Frequently check your security settings to ensure everything is functioning properly. Setup backups of security settings and configurations. In the event of tampering, you can quickly restore your settings to a previous state.
Ghostly browser pop-ups
Have random pop-ups been haunting your computer screen? This unsettling occurrence often points to a system compromise, especially when they appear on websites that usually don’t display them.
What to do: If you’re experiencing this issue, run a thorough scan of your system and tighten your browser security settings — such as blocking third-party cookies and site data — to prevent the problem from spreading.
Redirected internet searches
If your searches are being redirected to strange websites, it’s a clear sign your system may be compromised. Hackers frequently use these redirects to lead you to sites carrying ads that generate revenue for them, often without your knowledge. This sneaky tactic can expose you to untrustworthy sites and further threats.
What to do: Regularly clear your browser's cache and cookies, eliminating residual data that may contribute to unwanted redirects. Furthermore, use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to conduct thorough scans of your system.
Anomalies in system performance
If you observe sudden changes in your network or devices, such as slow speeds or unexpected restarts, it could indicate a security breach. In addition to putting your digital assets at risk, these disruptions can impact your productivity, so it's essential to investigate the cause promptly.
What to do: Consult a technician to determine if a hardware or software issue is responsible, ruling out or identifying any malware as the culprit.
Login attempts from parts unknown
Suspicious login attempts from unfamiliar locations can signal that your system has been compromised. Cybercriminals often use remote servers or virtual private networks (VPNs) to mask their real location, making it seem as though someone is logging in from a distant country or city. Even if you have team members who travel or work remotely, sudden access attempts from regions where no employees are present should be treated with suspicion.
What to do: Set up alerts for logins from unusual locations to quickly respond to attempts to break into your system.
Mouse cursor moving on its own
If your mouse cursor starts moving or clicking on things without your input, it’s a clear sign that someone else has taken control of your computer, possibly through remote access software or malware. The use of such software allows the intruder to manipulate your system, access sensitive information, or even install additional malicious software.
What to do: Disconnect from the internet immediately and run a full system scan to remove any malicious software.
Money disappearing from online accounts
If you notice unexpected withdrawals or unauthorized transactions in your online accounts, it could be a sign that your system has been compromised. Cybercriminals frequently target financial information to steal funds or conduct fraudulent activities.
What to do: Immediately inform your bank or financial institution about the unauthorized activity. They can help investigate the issue and initiate any necessary remediation processes, such as blocking your accounts and credit cards.
Contacts receiving fake emails or texts
If your contacts report receiving strange emails or texts from you, it may indicate that your system has been hacked. Cybercriminals can exploit your device to send deceptive messages, potentially leading to further scams or phishing attempts targeting your friends and colleagues.
What to do: Run a complete antivirus scan to find and remove any malicious apps. Additionally, alert all your contacts about the situation. Advise them not to trust any messages from you until the issue has been resolved.
Protect your IT by partnering with Kortek Solutions
To enhance your cybersecurity efforts, consider partnering with IT service providers like Kortek Solutions. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including IT security solutions designed to protect your business from cyberthreats and eliminate any lurking dangers.
Our team is dedicated to safeguarding your network, ensuring that you can focus on running your business with peace of mind. Contact us today to discuss how we can help secure your systems and drive out unwanted cyberthreats.