How Do You Know If Your Computer Has Been Hacked?

The security of your computer is of great importance in terms of protecting your personal data and digital life. However, with the development of technology, hackers' methods have become more sophisticated. Therefore, time to time it can be difficult to understand that your computer has been hacked. Early detection of hacking symptoms is a critical step in quickly closing the security gaps on your computer and protecting your personal information.

There are some obvious signs that you should pay attention to in order to understand whether your computer has been hacked or not. These signs include changes that affect both your computer's performance and its security status. Sudden slowdowns, the presence of unknown programs, abnormal activities in your web browser, and issues with your antivirus software are all significant indicators that your computer may have been compromised.

Suspicious messages sent from your email and social media accounts, abnormal network traffic, and data transfers are other signs that could point to a security breach. In addition, problems with your passwords, changes made to your files and folders, and abnormal behaviors of your computer are also among the points you should pay attention to.

These signs often indicate that malicious software has infiltrated your computer or that unauthorized access has been gained to your online accounts. To protect your computer from such threats and secure your personal information, it's essential to stay vigilant for these signs and take the necessary security measures promptly.

Here are 15 signs that your computer has been hacked:

1. Unknown Devices Accessing Your Accounts: Cybercriminals may gain access to your Google or Apple accounts. Both platforms send alerts when unknown devices attempt to log in. Check your devices under "Manage all devices" on Google or "Settings > Profile > Devices" on Apple.
2. Slow Performance: If your computer suddenly slows down, programs take longer to open, or they become unresponsive, it could be a sign of malicious software.
3. Unexpected Programs and Applications: If you notice new programs or applications on your computer that you didn't install, it could indicate that malicious software has been installed.
4. Web Browser Issues: If unknown websites open automatically in your browser or hidden tabs appear, unauthorized access to your computer may have occurred.
5. Antivirus Program Problems: If your antivirus software becomes disabled, fails to update, or shuts down on its own, it could indicate a security breach.
6. Suspicious Emails or Messages: If suspicious emails or messages are sent from your email or social media accounts to unknown individuals or even to your own addresses, it could be a sign that your accounts have been compromised.
7. Abnormal Network Traffic: If you observe sudden spikes in network traffic, especially when you're not transferring data, malicious software may be leaking information.
8. Password Issues: If your account passwords have been changed or you have difficulty entering the correct passwords, it could indicate that your accounts have been hacked.
9. File and Folder Changes: If files and folders on your computer have disappeared, been altered, or encrypted, it may indicate unauthorized access to your computer.
10. Unusual Computer Behavior: If your computer suddenly restarts, shuts down on its own, or displays error messages, it could be a potential security issue.
11. Hidden Applications: If you notice unfamiliar processes running in Task Manager or background applications, malicious software may be active.
12. Suspicious Ads on Screen: If unexpected ads or pop-ups appear on your computer, it could be the effect of malicious software.
13. Changes in Web Browser Settings: If you notice that your browser’s homepage, search engines, or other settings have been changed without your consent, it indicates potential tampering with your computer.
14. Suspicious Access Notifications: If you receive notifications that someone has logged into your accounts, but you did not log in, this could indicate that your accounts have been hacked.
15. Personal Information Leaks: If you suspect that your personal information has been leaked, consider performing a Dark Web scan to check if your email addresses and passwords have been compromised.

One of the most effective ways to protect your computer is by using reliable antivirus software. This is where C-Prot Antivirus comes into play. C-Prot Antivirus, designed to protect personal computer users from malicious software, ransomware, spyware, and other online threats, provides high-level protection against the latest threats with its award-winning antivirus technology, continuously updated threat database, and high-performance features.

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