Everything from social media accounts to email addresses can be attacked at any time. Old accounts can jeopardise your new accounts. So how can you tell if your accounts or passwords have been hacked?
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7 Tell-tale signs that you have been hacked
In the age of digital connectivity, the security of our personal and professional data has never been more important. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to infiltrate and exploit your digital world. Recognise the warning signs that your online accounts or devices may have been compromised. This article looks at seven signs that you’ve been hacked and gives you practical advice on how to protect yourself from future cyber attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!
Unusual account activity
If you notice unexpected activity on your online accounts – such as unsolicited emails, social media posts or password change requests – this could be a sign that your account has been hacked. Pay attention to your sent messages and account notifications, and always use two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.
Problems with device performance
A sudden drop in your device’s performance may indicate that a hacker has planted malware or is using your resources for nefarious purposes. Watch out for unexplained slowdowns, crashes or excessive data usage. Install reliable antivirus and malware protection software to detect and remove malicious files.
Unexpected software installations
If you find new programmes or applications on your device that you did not install, this may be a sign of a security breach. Cybercriminals could be using your system to spread malware, launch attacks or gain remote access to your data. Always check the source of new software and keep your operating system up to date with the latest security patches.
Changed browser settings
You may have been hacked if your browser’s homepage or default search engine has been changed without your consent. Cybercriminals can manipulate browser settings to redirect you to malicious websites or display intrusive adverts. Check your browser settings, remove suspicious browser extensions and run a malware scan to detect and remove threats.
Unauthorised financial transactions
Monitor your bank statements and credit card activity closely for signs of fraudulent transactions. Hackers can use your financial data to make unauthorised purchases or steal your identity. If you notice suspicious activity, notify your financial institution immediately so your accounts can be frozen and the matter investigated.
Mysterious files or folders
If you find unknown files or folders on your device, this may be a sign of a cyberattack. Hackers can inject malicious files to access sensitive data or use your device as part of a larger attack. Use a trusted antivirus programme to scan your system and remove any threats.
Ransomware attacks
If your device displays a message requesting payment to unlock your files or data, you are likely the target of a ransomware attack. These attacks encrypt your files and demand payment, often in cryptocurrency, to restore access. Do not pay the ransom as this will encourage further attacks and there is no guarantee that your files will be restored. Instead, contact a cybersecurity expert for help.
Use ‘Have I Been Pwned?’ to check if your private data has been leaked online
Have I Been Pwned?’ is one of the best tools for checking the security of your email accounts. Go to the website and enter each of your email addresses. The website will check to see if your account has ever been part of a data breach or if your account information has been made public online. If both are true, you know the account is more at risk.
You should secure any accounts that are at risk. Use a password generator and manager and be careful not to open any suspicious emails. It would be helpful to watch out for suspicious activity in your email account. If you use the same password as for the email account elsewhere, change it immediately.
Use ‘Dehashed’, an advanced service
Dehashed is another powerful tool for checking the security of your online information. Unlike the tool above, Dehashed covers more than just email addresses. You can enter any search term, such as an old username, and the website will crawl the internet to see if your information is publicly available. The website includes tools to help you remove any personal data records.
You should use Dehashed if you’re worried that old usernames you no longer use could be compromised. Searching for your full name, address and phone number is possible. For security reasons, you will need to create an account before you can check the details of the data found.
Check that websites you visit frequently are secure
You should check websites that you use regularly for security. You can use free services like Sucuri Site Checker to make sure the websites you visit frequently are safe.
Go to Sucuri Site Checker and enter the address of any website. The website will provide you with a list of potential risks posed by the website you entered. If any of the websites you regularly visit are categorised as risky, you should act immediately. It is best to change all passwords associated with the compromised website.
Monitor the list of hacked websites and platforms
‘Have I Been Pwned’ provides a comprehensive list of all websites that have ever been hacked. Other websites such as Self Key list the latest breaches. You can check these lists regularly to ensure that the websites or platforms you use have not been the victim of a data breach.
Most websites will notify their users when a breach occurs. However, it is possible for these messages to be overlooked. Sometimes websites fail to notify users promptly. For your safety and peace of mind, you should check these websites regularly. If you want to stay up to date, use an RSS reader such as rss-verzeichnis.de and add the RSS feed ‘Security Insider’ to the affected websites. The feed will inform you when a new breach occurs.
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