Cybercriminals operating all over the world seize trillions of dollars each year. Behind their success are our mistakes, such as clicking on phishing links, forgetting to update critical software, and neglecting to use multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Cybersecurity company ESET underlined that hackers often do not carry out their attacks openly. ESET experts have listed what you need to watch out for in order to detect early if you are the victim of a cybercrime unknowingly.
Receiving the ransomware message
If you get a ransom message when you turn on the computer, unlike the usual start screen, you've most likely been exposed to a ransomware attack. You are usually given a short time to pay, along with instructions on how to pay with digital currencies. The bad news is that even if you follow these instructions to the letter, you have a one-third chance of regaining access to encrypted files.
A slow running computer
When malware, including trojans, worms, and cryptocurrency miners, is installed on a computer, it usually slows down. This is particularly the case with malicious crypto mining attacks that use excessive amounts of processing power and energy to mine digital currencies. It can also happen due to non-malicious factors such as computers running slowly, not cleaning the computer. Check to see if anything is wrong.
Automatically turning on the camera
Some spyware installed by hackers is designed not only to steal data from your computer, but also to secretly open your camera and microphone. Turning on your camera and microphone can allow cybercriminals to capture and steal videos of you and your family. These videos can also be used for blackmail in the future. Pay attention to the camera light to see if your camera turns on by itself.
Receiving unsolicited messages from your friends' accounts
When your friends and contacts start complaining about spam messages from your e-mail or social media accounts, it's another sign that your computer has definitely been hacked. Hijacking victims' accounts and using them to send spam or phishing emails to all of the victim's friends is a classic phishing tactic. This threat can be easily avoided by ensuring that all accounts are protected with MFA.
Having too many pop-up ads
Adware often earns attackers money by exposing victims to excessive advertising. Therefore, if your computer is filled with pop-up ads, it indicates that there may be malicious code installed on your computer somewhere.
New toolbars appearing in your browser
Malware can also install extra toolbars in your browser. If you notice a toolbar that you don't know about or don't remember installing, it probably means that your computer has been hacked. You may need to factory reset your computer to remove these toolbars.
Random icons start to appear
New desktop icons often appear when malware is installed on a compromised computer. These icons are easily recognizable as long as the files, folders and programs are neatly organized on the desktop.
Passwords/credentials not working
If hackers managed to hijack your computer, they may have also taken over your various online accounts, such as your email, and also changed passwords to kick you out of the account. Dealing with the consequences can be one of the most stressful parts of a cyberattack.
Data and credentials roaming the dark web
If you receive information about a data breach from a company you work with, always take this information seriously and try to independently verify it. Sites like HaveIBeenPawned provide third-party verification of a data breach. Darknet monitoring tools can also search your data on cybercrime and other forums to provide a more proactive way to stay abreast of what's going on. If you act quickly by changing your passwords and blocking your credit cards, you can mitigate the risk before malicious people can monetize the attack.
Receiving an antivirus alert
While fake antivirus pop-ups are a constant threat, warnings from antivirus programs should also be taken seriously. Check if the alert comes from your personal antivirus service provider and follow the instructions to find and delete malicious files on your computer. Do not assume that the warning means that the antivirus program will automatically remove the relevant threat from your computer.
If your computer has been compromised, run a reputable antivirus program and follow these methods to find and delete the malicious code on your computer:
- Reset passwords for accounts accessed from compromised computer
- Download an MFA app to eliminate the risk of further account privacy breach
- Get a darknet monitoring tool to check what data was stolen
- Take action so hackers can't take out new loans on your behalf
- Examine all your accounts, especially your bank accounts, for any suspicious activity
If you are not sure that your computer is completely clean, try resetting your password with another device.
