Laptop Hacked – Signs & Prevention Tips

Introduction

In today's digital age, the security of our devices, including laptops, is of paramount importance. With an increasing number of hacking incidents, it's crucial to stay vigilant about the signs of a laptop hacked. In this blog, we will discuss how to check if your laptop has been hacked and provide you with actionable steps to safeguard your digital life.

Signs & symptoms of a laptop hacked

Here is a list of signs that indicate my laptop has been hacked:

1. Unusual Behaviour and Performance
One of the initial indicators of a potential hack is a sudden change in your laptop's behaviour or performance. If you notice sluggishness, frequent crashes, or unusually slow startup times- brace yourself! All these symptoms are screaming signs of a malware attack

2. Unexplained Network Activity
Keep an eye on your network activity. If you notice significant data usage even when you're not actively using the internet, your laptop might have been compromised. Suspicious network connections and activities could indicate the presence of malware or unauthorised access.

3. Strange Pop-ups and Ads
Unexpected pop-ups, ads, or browser redirects can be a sign of adware or malware infections. If your browser behaves erratically and displays unusual content, it's time to investigate further.

4. Changes in Browser Settings
If your default homepage, search engine, or browser extensions have been altered without your consent, it's a red flag. Hackers often manipulate browser settings to redirect users to malicious websites or gather sensitive information.

5. Unknown Accounts and Password Changes
If you find unfamiliar accounts on your laptop or receive notifications about password changes you didn't initiate, be alert. This could indicate that your laptop has been hacked and attackers have intruded into your accounts.

6. Increased CPU Usage
Monitor your laptop's CPU usage through the Task Manager or Activity Monitor. A sudden and sustained spike in CPU usage when you're not running resource-intensive applications could indicate the presence of malware.

7. Unwanted Software Installation
If you notice new software that you didn't install appearing on your laptop, it's a potential sign of unauthorised access. Hackers might install malicious software to gain control over your system.

8. Check for Remote Access Tools
Hackers often use remote access tools (RATs) to control compromised systems. This is the perfect example of a laptop hacked by remote. Look for any unfamiliar programs that allow remote access or control. Ensure that remote desktop settings are disabled unless necessary.

9. Unusual Account Activity
Regularly review your online accounts for any suspicious activity to know if someone hacked my laptop. If you notice unfamiliar logins, changes in settings, or unauthorised transactions, it might be a consequence of a compromised laptop.

Pro Tips to Protect Laptop from Hackers

1. Update anti-virus software
Regularly run full system scans using reputable antivirus and anti-malware software . Ensure your software is up to date and perform deep scans to detect any hidden threats.
2. Update all software
Not just the anti-virus, but all the software products installed in your laptop should be updated on a regular basis. The updated versions come with security patches to fix the bugs existing in the older versions. Thus, updating software systems takes you a step closer to optimising laptop security.
3. Keep changing passwords
Keep on changing passwords after every 6 months. Make sure the password carries 12 characters, featuring alphabets, numericals, and special characters. Don’t save the same passwords for every account.
4. Ignore Spam
Do not click on random emails and messages sent from unfamiliar sources. Delete the spam mails every week, without clicking on them.
5. Avoid public Wi-Fi
This is a complete no-brainer. Public Wi-Fi is the breeding ground of cyber criminals. So, make sure to avoid public Wi-Fi, especially while making payments or sharing confidential data online.
6. Backup
Back up the laptop and your hard-drive regularly. Updated backup helps to attain security patches and prevent hacker intrusions.
7. Change Router Password
Make sure to alter the router password after every 6 months. Also, do not share the router password with every random person that visits your home or office.

Conclusion

Detecting a hacked laptop requires vigilance and a keen eye for unusual behaviour. By staying informed and actively monitoring your laptop for signs of compromise, you can take swift action to protect your personal information and digital assets. Remember to regularly update your software and use strong and unique passwords. Also, exercise caution while browsing and downloading content from the internet.
If you want to know more about hacking signs and precaution tips, you can sign up with the cyber security training from DataSpace Academy.