Have you noticed something? Five signs that hackers are attacking your PC
A calculator with the inscription “Hacker Attack!” (Symbolic image): Hackers usually do not leave such clear signs behind. Most attacks go unnoticed. (Source: imago images)
Those who are not careful can become victims of malicious software or a hacker attack on the Internet. How to recognize that you have been hacked.
If the computer suddenly develops a life of its own, he has probably been the victim of a hacker attack. Here the expert reveals what layman’s hacker attacks can detect:
1. Your computer desktop develops a life of its own
If you move and install files by yourself, you may be hosting uninvited guests such as Trojans in your system. Mostly camouflaged by inconspicuous filenames, Trojans nestle unnoticed in the system. Trojans can be used for a variety of attacks, such as spying on sensitive data. These are then sold at a profit: cybercriminals receive between 20 and 40 euros for credit card data.
2. Your searches are constantly redirected
You have not made a typewriter and are constantly landing pages you never searched for? These are signs of a so-called “browser hijacker”, a malicious software that automatically accesses certain websites. With every click and page visit, Internet criminals earn money. Since browser Trojans can also be used for spying on secret data, they should definitely be removed. Adware removers and browser cleaning programs are used.
3. Your computer is constantly overloaded
If your computer reacts slowly, it can be a sign that he is busy in the background. Or maybe you unexpectedly got into bad company: into a botnet . This is a composite of computers hijacked without the knowledge and consent of the owners. Such computers can be controlled by cyber criminals and remotely controlled and used for various attacks. As a layman it is extremely difficult to get rid of bots. In case of suspicion, the cleanest solution is to completely rebuild your system and reinstall the operating system.
4. You see unusual warnings on the desktop
These “scareware pop-ups” warn the affected user of possible dangers in order to persuade them to buy or install (malicious) software. Logos or error messages are often used to imitate the professionalism of software manufacturers. This fear-continuous sound is usually caused by so-called “drive-by downloads”: Sometimes criminals manage to manipulate websites in such a way that visitors unnoticed when they visit the site infected with malicious software. Regular updates of the browser are particularly important here to reduce the risk of these attacks.
5. Money will be debited from your account
Blame is on criminals who have come into possession of your account data. Often this happens through phishing . The term is an artificial word made up of the terms “password” and “ fishing”. These attacks use fake websites or messages to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information. Awareness of social engineering, the social manipulation of users, is the best protection against these attacks. Be careful when opening e-mails or posting data over the phone is also a good defense against data fishermen. Even if it looks real at first glance: Would your bank really ask you in an emergency by e-mail or on the phone to reveal TAN and PIN? Certainly not.
