5 signs you can tell you've been hacked

The online world is vast and complex. Through it, you gain access to information and tools that are indispensable today. However, it is also a world where hackers exist, where you read about online scams on a daily basis, and where private data is exposed more often than we would like. While this paints a rather bleak picture, it's important to remember the many dangers that could get you in trouble very quickly. Hence the question: How do you know if you've been hacked?

Ransomware locks all your files

Some online threats are more obvious than others. However, receiving a ransom message is probably one of the scariest ones. We now live in an age of ransomware and malware that locks your files and demands a ransom. If you receive a message telling you that you can no longer access your data, then you have probably become a victim of ransomware. However, there are some tips to minimize the impact of a ransomware attack. Learn how you can prevent data corruption with the help of leitzcloud.

Data breach of your personal data

The website "Have I been pwned?" , created in 2013 by Troy Hunt, is a website where users can check if personal information has been exposed. You can check if your email address or password has been compromised and set notifications to let you know when your email address is registered on the site. Popular breaches like the Dropbox data breach in 2012 are also included in the database, so you can also see if your email address or password was compromised.

Friends receive invitations that you have not sent

This can happen on various platforms. Hackers can take over your Facebook profile and use it to spread spam or demand ransom. The best way to prevent this is to change your password regularly and enable two-step authentication.

Fake anti-virus messages

Fake anti-virus notifications are not as common as they used to be. However, they are a strong sign that your system contains malware. If you encounter a fake anti-virus alert, your computer is already infected. Usually, fake anti-virus messages pretend to need your financial details for a fake virus scan. This eventually leads to inappropriate use of your credit card. Try to find out what kind of threat it is and how you can remove it from your computer.

Disabled anti-virus and malware software

Suddenly, your security software stops working, the Windows registry does not open, and you cannot restart anything. This is how you usually find out that your computer is affected by malware. Therefore, perform a system restore as soon as possible. Otherwise, you would have to explore every symptom while searching for a solution.