| Hackers have stooped to an all time low (it's actually an all time high for them of course) when it comes to infecting your systems. Present tools and techniques ensure they are always a step ahead of security measures trying to defend your systems. It's quite easy to know and learn when your system has been compromised. All it takes is a little more attention and observation on your part. |  |
Here are 10 definite signs that you've been hacked:
1. Fake antivirus messages
-Among the surest signs that your system has been compromised, this ploy makes use of the fact that by the time people see the fake antivirus warning, considerable damage has already been done. A fake scan is in reality a malicious program's trick to lure people into buying their product. You will more often than not be directed to a professional-looking website on clicking a link provided by the scan where you will many a times give out your credit card number and billing information. In this way, the program will gain complete control over your system while also making full use of your personal financial information.
2. Unwanted browser toolbars
-Browser toolbars are supposed to help you, however, unless they are coming from a very well-known vendor, they are fake and could entail a hack in near future.
3. Redirected Internet searches
-Did you know that hackers are paid to get your clicks to appear on someone else's website. Many a times websites don't know that clicks to their website are in fact from malicious redirection. Adding to the plight is the fact that current redirected Internet searches are securely (pun intended!) hidden from the user through additional proxies. As a result the fake results are never returned that could alert the user for future references. Fake unwanted browser toolbars could also lead to redirection.
4. Frequent random popups
-Getting random browser pop-ups from websites that don't normally generate them can be very annoying, but that's only the tip of the ice berg. Frequent random popups is a sure shot sign that your system has been compromised. Bogus toolbars are also one of the primary reasons behind the same.
5. Your friends receive fake emails from your email account
-Malware programs and hackers often pull out email addresses and contact lists from your social media sites such as Facebook, to send malicious emails to your email contacts. However, in taking the social media route, hackers get a very incomplete list of your contacts' email addresses. However, these bogus emails won't have your email address as the sender. If such a case arises, you're computer is safe.
6. Your online passwords suddenly change
-You might have responded to an authentic-looking phish email that purportedly claims to be from the service that ends up with the changed password. In this way, the hacker will gain your logon information, change the password and use the service to carry out his vested interests.
7. Unexpected software installs
-Most current malware programs are Trojans and worms, and they typically install themselves like legitimate programs. It must be noted that the unwanted software is legally installed by other programs, so its highly advisable to read your license agreements carefully.
8. Your mouse moves between programs and makes correct selections
-Mouse pointers moving randomly might usually be due to hardware problems. However, if the movements involve making the correct choices to run particular programs, take note that something is fishy.
9. Your bank account is missing money
-Usually begins by your computer being compromised stemming from a response to some fake phish from your bank. The hacker logs on to your bank, changes your contact information, and transfers large sums of money.
10. Your antimalware software, Task Manager, or Registry Editor is disabled and can't be restarted
-You didn't disable your antimalware software but find it disabled. Further, your start Task Manager or Registry Editor won't start, start and disappear, or start in a reduced state. All these are definite signs you've been compromised.
