We all know that malware (aka computer viruses) pose a threat not only to the operating system, but can also lead to the loss of personal data (documents, photos, audio and video recordings, passwords from bank accounts, etc.) stored on the hard drive of a PC and laptop.
But this is not the only virtual danger that awaits ordinary users. Hackers can also get into your computer. They commit their atrocities with one goal - to take possession confidential information, which is stored on the PC hard drive. To avoid getting hooked, pay attention to 7 main signs that indicate a possible hacker attack.
Sign No. 1 - changing personal passwords
One of the favorite tactics that many hackers follow is changing passwords to personal accounts specific user. This is done simply - by brute force. Usually, special programs are used for this, which allow you to sort through thousands of possible combinations in a short period of time.
If you have lost access to your account or cannot enter your password (even though you are 100% sure that you are entering the combination correctly), this is most likely the work of hackers. To prevent hacking, you need to follow simple recommendations. First, don't use simple passwords that only contain numbers or letters (such as your date of birth and initials). Such combinations are easy to crack. It's better to invent complex password, which contains numbers and letters, different case. Secondly, change your passwords often, even if they are complex.
Sign No. 2 - fake virus on PC
Sometimes a message in the form of a dialog box appears on your PC desktop, warning you that your computer has been attacked by hackers. The calculation in this situation is made for children and novice PC users who are poorly versed in the intricacies of virus infection. Many people, in a slight panic, hopefully click on the link and “open the door” to malware.
This type of virus injection into a computer is the most common among hackers today - gullible people click on the link, thereby doing a big favor to cybercriminals. This is the same as if you gave your credit card with a PIN code to boot. Don’t fall for such scams, otherwise you risk ruining your life. operating system and lose personal data. In such situations, you just need to run a scan with a standard antivirus or use the Dr.Web CureIt utility.
Ghost No. 3 - method of direct blackmail
Another effective method hacking, which is based on introducing the user into a state of shock and stress. When visiting suspicious sites (especially Internet resources that contain adult content on their pages and do not have a secure connection channel), a pop-up window with text may appear on your computer screen. The message usually states that you have violated some article federal law and are now required to pay a fine or “pay off” so that the computer is not blocked forever.
According to this scheme, in June 2017, a wave of cyber attacks swept across Russia and Ukraine, as well as some European countries. Unknown Wanna virus Cry blocked computers, encrypted data and demanded a ransom of $500. The ransomware virus caused damage not only ordinary users, but to large international companies. So be careful - when such a window appears, immediately turn off your computer and use the Dr.Web LiveDisk healing utility.
Sign No. 4 - antivirus failure
Many users completely trust their antivirus programs. But it's better to check them from time to time. Otherwise, one day you may find that active virus protection is disabled. This is exactly how enterprising hackers sometimes operate. When they disable your virus scanner, they have full access to the computer and can introduce a virus without any warning signal.
Regularly checking the operation of your antivirus program is the key to your peace of mind. It would also be a good idea to personally monitor updates to the built-in signature database. Sometimes this can save the life of your computer and prevent data loss on your hard drive.
Sign #5 - frequent pop-ups
Many users are familiar with annoying pop-ups on their desktop that constantly need to be closed manually. However, if this happens too often, then be sure to think about what is the reason? Typically, an antivirus instantly blocks any involuntary processes. If for some reason this does not happen, check whether your antivirus program is enabled?
Sign No. 6 - automatic downloading of programs
Programs that are downloaded from the Internet in “exe.” format usually require confirmation before unpacking. However, if software downloaded to your computer from a suspicious site, then after launching the file you may find that additional “devious” applications and browsers are installed on your PC. Moreover, this process occurs automatically (sometimes completely unnoticed by the user).
At best, it won’t remain on the hard drive. free space to download new files, and in the worst case, you will lose control over the operation of the operating system. How to avoid this? Very simple. Pay attention to the site's security rating. Try to download computer programs only from trusted official Internet resources. Before installing the software, it is a good idea to check it for viruses.
Sign No. 7 - “live” arrow on the screen
This is the most obvious type of hacker attack. If the mouse cursor moves chaotically across the screen without your intervention, it’s time to sound the alarm, since control of the computer belongs entirely to the hacker. Having taken possession of the mouse, he can perform any operation on the PC. The surest way to counter a hacker attack is to immediately turn off your PC.
Today, hacker attacks are on everyone's lips and everyone is worried about the security of their data. To prevent theft of passwords and other important information, you should pay attention to any changes in your computer.
We suggest checking the checklist of signs that your computer has been hacked. And if your fears are confirmed, we will tell you what to do.
1. Antivirus is disabled
If you haven't disabled it yourself antivirus program, but noticed that it was turned off, this sure sign computer hacking. It cannot turn off on its own. The first thing hackers do is get rid of your antivirus to make it easier to access your files.
2. Passwords don't work
If you haven't changed your passwords, but they suddenly stop working and you can't log into your Accounts, it’s time to be wary - most likely, the computer has been hacked.
3. The number of friends has increased sharply
4. New icons on the toolbar
When you open your browser and notice new icons in the toolbar, this may indicate that malicious code has infiltrated.
5. The cursor moves on its own
If you notice the mouse cursor moving on its own and highlighting something, this is a sure sign of a hack.
6. Unusual printer behavior
Signs of hacking affect not only the computer itself, but can also appear when working with the printer. For example, when it refuses to print or prints files that you did not send for printing.
7. Redirection to other sites
If your browser keeps redirecting you to other sites, it's time to be wary. Same thing if you enter search query, but no results appear Google search or Yandex, and other pages. The frequent appearance of pop-up windows also indicates hacking.
8. Files were deleted without your participation
If you notice that some programs and files have been moved to the trash bin or deleted completely, but you did not do this, there is no doubt that your computer has been hacked.
9. There is your personal information on the Internet that you have not disclosed.
Check this with a search engine: look for information about yourself that you definitely haven’t disclosed online. If you were able to find it, it means your computer was hacked to steal information.
10. Fake antivirus messages
If windows pop up on your computer warning of a virus infection, but they look different than usual, this is a sign of hacking. You should also be wary if a new antivirus appears on your computer.
If your computer takes too long to perform the simplest operations, and your Internet connection noticeably slows down, this may also be a sign of hacking.
What to do:
- Warn your friends and recipients Email that you have been hacked. Tell them not to open messages from you or click on any links in them.
- Notify your bank about a possible breach of your personal data. Find out from them how to protect your funds.
- Remove all programs that are unfamiliar to you, as well as those that will not start.
- Install reliable antivirus and scan the system. Some companies release free versions.
- Change passwords on all your accounts.
- If you feel that the problem has not been solved, contact a specialist.
Hackers are either good or bad. The latter must be protected from. If you think your computer has been hacked, take immediate action. Hackers can get into your computer in numerous ways, but you need to learn how to spot the signs of a hack.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Signs of a break-in
Unusual computer behavior. If a computer is “acting strange,” this may indicate its age, or a failed component, or a hack:
- Programs and files will not launch or open.
- Files that you did not delete are placed in the trash bin (or deleted altogether).
- Passwords don't work.
- Programs that you did not install end up installed on your computer.
- The computer connects to the Internet in your absence.
- Changes have been made to files without your knowledge.
- The printer refuses to print or prints something you did not send to print.
Connect to the Internet. Here are possible signs that your computer has been hacked:
- You can't log into your accounts because the passwords don't work (check them on several sites). Have you responded to phishing emails (fraudulent emails asking for personal information and/or password)?
- The browser redirects you to other sites.
- Additional browser windows open (without your participation).
- After paying for the domain name you purchased, you cannot access it.
Here are possible signs that your computer is infected with malware:
- False messages about the presence of a virus. If you do not have an antivirus, such messages will appear regularly. If you have an antivirus, be sure to find out what your antivirus's message windows look like (to distinguish them from fake ones). Do not click buttons in fake windows and do not provide any financial information (most importantly, do not panic after a message appears about the presence of a virus).
- Toolbars unknown to you have appeared in the browser. (The browser only has one toolbar.)
- Pop-up windows open.
- Your antivirus and other security programs refuse to work or are completely disabled. Task Manager and/or Registry Editor do not open.
- Your email is sending emails without your knowledge.
- Money disappears from your bank account, or you receive bills for purchases you didn't make.
If you do not control the operation of your computer, then most likely it has been hacked. For example, if the mouse cursor moves across the screen without your participation, then someone has received remote access to your computer. (If you've ever worked remotely on any computer, then you know what we're talking about).
- Search the Internet for your personal information that you have not disclosed. (Do this regularly.) If you easily found it through a search engine, then the information was stolen by hacking your computer.
Part 2 of 2: What to do
Disconnect from the Internet immediately. Thus, you will interrupt the hacker's connection with your computer.
- To reliably turn off the Internet, it is best to unplug your modem from the power outlet.
- Print or save this article to your computer so you can access it when you are offline.
Restart your computer and boot into safe mode(check your computer's manual if you're not sure what to do).
Look for "unknown" programs (that is, programs installed without your intervention) or programs that won't start. If you find such programs, remove them. If you don't know how to do this, seek help from a professional.
Scan your system with a reliable antivirus, such as Avast Home Edition, AVG Free Edition, Avira AntiVir. If you don't know how to do this, seek help from a professional.
If the above steps do not lead to positive results, please make a backup important files, restore the system and update it.
Warn your bank and any other organization about possible problems with leakage of personal information. Ask them for advice on your next steps to protect your funds.
Warn people on your email list that they may receive malicious emails from your address. Ask them not to open such emails or click on links in these emails.
- Store backups important files (for example, family photos, documents) on an encrypted USB drive.
- The best way to prevent a hack is to prepare for it in advance.
- When you are not working on your computer, disconnect it from the Internet.
- To restore your system to the point before the hack, use System Restore.
- Regularly back up your files and your entire system.
Warnings
- If none of the programs start, and just a picture is displayed on the screen, then you need to reinstall the system (or restore it, unless the hacker got to the system recovery files).
- Your computer can be used to attack other computers/networks and commit illegal activities (without your knowledge, of course).
- If you don't check your computer for possible hacking, you'll end up having to reinstall the operating system or buy a new computer.
Experts believe that cyber fraudsters obtained the information they needed thanks to a special virus that infected users’ computers. The companies said: many accounts are out of date, so there is no need to worry, but they recommended that everyone change their passwords.
Considering the fact that the disclosure of user passwords from various services may happen again, AiF.ua decided to compile a small reminder on security measures when working with mailboxes.
Who is responsible for making mailboxes easily accessible?
As Vladimir Ivanov, deputy head of the operations department at Yandex, told AiF.ua, modern mail systems are reliably protected structures. It is almost impossible to hack them, because they have several levels of protection.
"IN postal systems There are also many mechanisms that protect users from fraudulent letters: determining the authenticity of a letter by its digital signature, getting rid of malicious scripts in letters, checking attachments for viruses and, of course, protection against spam and unwanted letters,” added Vladimir Ivanov.
The company also excludes the possibility that employees may be involved in the “leakage” of mailbox passwords. According to Vladimir Ivanov, the system is designed in such a way that data about logins and the letters that belong to them are stored in three different places. Three groups of administrators are responsible for the safety of electronic information. To gain access to them, it is necessary, firstly, the participation of all three groups of specialists and, secondly, compliance with internal procedures. And the entire process is controlled by the company’s security service.
The “weak link” in the chain of user - mailbox - mail service is a person who puts his account at risk by coming up with easy passwords or following decoy links to malicious sites.
“It turns out that the most “vulnerable” in this system is the user himself: his simple password, the same password with other services, the “virus” of the computer or inattention when going to suspicious sites reduce all efforts postal services protection is nil,” stated the Yandex specialist.
Three signs that your mailbox has been hacked
- Suspicious entries into your mailbox that you don't know about. You can find out from which IP address, at what time and from which browser your mail was visited from the transaction log. It is provided in most free email systems.
- Your mailbox contains messages that you have not sent. Make it a rule to check your email every day to protect yourself from hacking.
- According to Vladimir Ivanov, postal services can automatically detect suspicious behavior and prompt the user to change their password. It is worth heeding this recommendation.
What to do if your mailbox is hacked
- Change your password and be more vigilant in the future. This option may not work for you if hackers caused serious damage.
Password – your personal information
Never give your account passwords to anyone.Give up simple passwords. Special programs, which hackers use, recognize them very quickly. Also, do not use your personal data (date of birth, name, city of residence, series and number of passport, etc.).
The ideal option would be to write any Russian or Ukrainian phrase using the Latin layout. For example, the combination of words “juicy_watermelon” will turn into a complex password cjxysq_fh,ep.
- Contact law enforcement agencies who will help find the perpetrators and punish them according to the law.
“The postal service is not such a body and cannot independently conduct legally significant investigations,” says the deputy head of the operations department at Yandex. - In addition, as a rule, the investigation requires the joint work of many organizations - providers, Internet services, sometimes even engineering services. Only law enforcement agencies can organize such work.”
Meanwhile, Google has published guidance on two-step verification, another way to ensure security measures for mailboxes. Its essence is that before logging into the system, the user will need to enter a password and confirmation code. The system will send you a combination of numbers for confirmation to mobile phone. It can be obtained in the form voice message or SMS.
Today, hacker attacks are on everyone's lips and everyone is worried about the security of their data. To prevent theft of passwords and other important information, you should pay attention to any changes to your computer.
We suggest checking the checklist of signs that your computer has been hacked. And if your fears are confirmed, we will tell you what to do.
1. Antivirus is disabled
If you have not disabled your antivirus program yourself, but notice that it is turned off, this is a sure sign that your computer has been hacked. It cannot turn off on its own. The first thing hackers do is get rid of your antivirus to make it easier to access your files.
2. Passwords don't work
If you haven't changed your passwords, but they suddenly stop working and you can't log into your accounts, it's time to be wary - most likely, your computer has been hacked.
3. The number of friends has increased sharply
4. New icons on the toolbar
When you open your browser and notice new icons in the toolbar, this may indicate that malicious code has infiltrated.
5. The cursor moves on its own
If you notice the mouse cursor moving on its own and highlighting something, this is a sure sign of a hack.
6. Unusual printer behavior
Signs of hacking affect not only the computer itself, but can also appear when working with the printer. For example, when it refuses to print or prints files that you did not send for printing.
7. Redirection to other sites
If your browser keeps redirecting you to other sites, it's time to be wary. The same thing happens if you enter a search query, and not Google or Yandex search results appear, but other pages. The frequent appearance of pop-up windows also indicates hacking.
8. Files were deleted without your participation
If you notice that some programs and files have been moved to the trash bin or deleted completely, but you did not do this, there is no doubt that your computer has been hacked.
9. There is your personal information on the Internet that you have not disclosed.
Check this with a search engine: look for information about yourself that you definitely haven’t disclosed online. If you were able to find it, it means your computer was hacked to steal information.
10. Fake antivirus messages
If windows pop up on your computer warning of a virus infection, but they look different than usual, this is a sign of hacking. You should also be wary if a new antivirus appears on your computer.
11. Unusual webcam behavior
Check your webcam: if its indicator light is blinking on its own, restart your computer and see if it continues to blink after 10 minutes. If the indicator light continues to blink, then your computer has been hacked.
12. The computer is very slow
If your computer takes too long to perform the simplest operations, and your Internet connection noticeably slows down, this may also be a sign of hacking.
What to do:
- Warn your friends and email recipients that you have been hacked. Tell them not to open messages from you or click on any links in them.
- Notify your bank about a possible breach of your personal data. Find out from them how to protect your funds.
- Remove all programs that are unfamiliar to you, as well as those that will not start.
- Install a reliable antivirus and scan your system. Some companies release free versions.
- Change passwords on all your accounts.
- If you think the problem is not solved, contact a specialist