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Five Signs your Computer been Hacked

Personal computer hacks have become so common that almost everyone has to deal with it at least once in their lives. And it's not just simple pranks that amateur hackers used to pull in the early days of mainstream computer adoption.

Today, cyberattacks are sophisticated, well-orchestrated and capable of posing severe threats to the personal data of Internet users.

Media headlines quite often raise the alarm about large-scale cyberattacks directed towards enterprises and government institutions. They seem somewhat distant to you — a regular computer owner who uses it for personal needs.

You might wonder why should anyone be keen to hack your system?

There is a reason.

At these times when data is gold, anyone can be at risk of their computer getting breached. With computer hacks being closer than you might think, it is essential to be prepared.

Five things to look for.

The faster you'll react and take necessary actions, the less the damage it will cause to you, as well as to others on the same network — family, friends, or co-workers. So first things first: learn how to recognize if your computer has been compromised.

Here are 5 signs your computer may have been hacked:

#1 Frequent random pop-ups

This is one of the most explicit indications of a computer being infected. If you start seeing more annoying pop-ups in your web browser, and they often flash in sites that usually don't generate pop-ups, this is a bad sign.

 

#2 Antivirus shutting down

Some types of malware disable your antivirus or anti-malware programs and make it difficult to re-enable them. If you notice that your antivirus has suddenly stopped working and you can't open the Task Manager properly, it is very likely that your system has been infected with malware.

 

#3 Programs show up you didn't install

A malicious program may be disguised as legitimate software to slip into your computer. Usually, it is done by worms or malware that attach to other software to get installed together as a bundle. So, if you notice an unknown program residing on your system, it's likely a malicious one.

 

#4 Your passwords no longer work

Getting locked out of your online accounts might mean that you have fallen into a phishing trap. A common tactic scammer’s use is to send an authentic-looking email from a bank or any other service you're signed up for, asking to update your password by clicking the included link. Once you do it, you provide access to your account to hackers.

 

#5 Fake emails sent from your account

If a virus has compromised your email, it might be trying to spread further by sending malicious emails to your contacts. It doesn't automatically mean that your computer has been hacked. However, if the fake email includes your name and email address, it is likely that your system has been infected.

Here's what to do (immediately) if your computer has been hacked:

  • Give us a call as soon as possible

  • Do not try to remove the Infection as it might trigger something a lot worse

  • Do not login to your online accounts.

  • Turn off the Computer.

    Here's an even better idea.

    Don't wait to get hacked before taking all of the above "reactive" steps. Instead, consider giving us a call to boast your security now.

    You know what they say...the best defensive is a good offense.

Our local PC repair service in Northampton has never had a unhappy customer to-date, we take pride in our service and dedication and look forward to offering our service to you.

Northampton Computer Repair cover all aspects of computer repair, website design and Information Technology.  We work on a no fix / no fee basis and will always advise against an uneconomical repair, our staff are committed to giving an unequalled level of support and service at an unbeatable price, often offered but never equaled on Printer / Monitor / Scanner / PC / Laptop & Peripheral repairs.

So if your computer and stopped working, slowed down, been damaged or just needs replacing give us a call.

We have a Free Health Check with each Site Visit.

During Normal Work Hours We do not charge a call out fee - you pay only for the time the engineer spends at your property*. Most Repairs can be fixed with the first hour. If any parts need replacing or upgraded, these prices will be appended to the call out receipt.

Workshop Repairs

It’s often more cost effective for computers to be brought to our workshop. In this case we provide a completely free diagnosis and quotation service. Even if you decide not to go ahead with a repair there’s no charge.

If you want to come to us outside the opening hours, you must call and make a booking.

Emergency service rates are higher than the standard service.