social media investigators

Have I Been Hacked?

Cyber criminals do their best work when they remain invisible to their victims. In fact, the majority of hackers target their prey without being detected. They do this deliberately so that they can re-engage in similar behaviour in the future. If you believe you may have been hacked, here are some of the most common warning signs to watch out for.

  • Identity Theft – Cyber attackers often target your personal identity to gain access to your personal information. If you see that one of your financial accounts or credit cards have been accessed, you should be highly suspicious.
  • Random Software – You may notice that you have a new program running that you’ve never seen before. Having no recollection of ever installing it, a hacker may have gained access to your device and infected it with malicious software.
  • Invalid Passwords – One of the most common targets of hackers is online credentials. If you notice that one or more of your passwords no longer work, you should seek immediate assistance by contacting the digital providers of your services.
  • Suspicious Email Activity – Hackers like to manipulate email through the use of viruses. Family members and friends may tell you that they’ve received odd emails from you that you did not send. If you check your outbox and see that your email account did indeed send the suspicious emails, this is a sure sign that you’ve been infected.
  • Decreased Network Speeds – If your internet connection is usually quick and reliable and you notice a sudden drop in bandwidth, this could be an indicator that someone has gained remote access to your wireless connection.
  • Unexplained Browser Activity – Cyber criminals have the ability to gain virtual control over your computer. They can access files, browse the internet and obtain your personal information. If you believe you may be a victim of hacking, check your internet browser history. If you notice websites that you did not visit, your PC has likely been compromised.
  • Limited or a Loss of Control – Viruses have the ability to take control of your computer and prevent you from completing simple tasks. If you can no longer access certain programs and complete your usual routine, you may have malware installed on your system.

Although we’ve listed some of the most common signs of hacker activity, this list only scratches the surface of the thousands of potential types of digital attacks that occur online each and every day. It is imperative that you’re aware of your computer’s hygiene and install up-to-date virus and malware protection software. If you believe you’ve been hacked, whether on a personal or business network, do not hesitate to contact the experts at Investigation Hotline to get the truth and results you desire.