You might not even know if your computer has been hacked. Hackers are experts at remaining undetected, so it’s important to be aware of the signs that something might not be quite right. Here are 10 signs you’ve been hacked and what you can do about it.

1. Unexplained activity on your computer

If you notice strange and unexplained activity on your computer, it’s possible that you’ve been hacked. This could include things like new programs or files appearing, unusual messages or pop-ups, changes to your homepage, or new toolbars appearing. If you see anything out of the ordinary, it’s worth running a virus scan to check for any malicious software that may have been installed on your system.

2. Your computer is running slowly

Hackers can install programs or malware on your computer that can cause it to run slowly or even crash. If you notice your computer struggling to keep up with normal tasks, or if it crashes more often than it used to, it could be a sign that you’ve been hacked.

3. Strange emails or messages

If you start receiving strange emails or messages from people you don’t know, it’s possible that your email account has been hacked and your contacts list accessed. Hackers may also use your email account to send spam or phishing emails to your contacts. If you notice any suspicious activity, it’s important to change your password and security settings as soon as possible.

4. Unauthorized charges on your credit card

If you see unauthorized charges on your credit card statement, it’s possible that your financial information has been compromised. Hackers may have accessed your account and made charges without your knowledge. If you notice any suspicious activity, it’s important to contact your bank or credit card company immediately.

5. Your passwords don’t work

If you try to log in to your usual accounts and find that your passwords don’t work, it’s possible that they’ve been changed by a hacker. This is a serious security breach and it’s important to act quickly to regain control of your accounts. Change your passwords immediately and consider adding extra security measures, such as two-factor authentication.

6. You can’t log in to your computer

If you try to log in to your computer and find that you can’t get past the login screen, it’s possible that a hacker has changed your password. This is a serious security breach and you should contact your IT department or service provider immediately. They’ll be able to help you reset your password and regain access to your account.

7. Your computer seems to be turned on when you’re not using it

If you notice that your computer seems to be turned on when you’re not using it, it’s possible that a hacker has remote access to your machine. This means they can turn it on and off, access your files, and even use your webcam to spy on you. If you notice this happening, it’s important to disconnect your computer from the internet and change all your passwords immediately.

8. New programs or toolbars that you didn’t install

If you notice new programs or toolbars on your computer that you didn’t install, it’s possible that a hacker has installed them without your knowledge. These could be programs that allow the hacker to access your files or spy on you through your webcam. If you notice any suspicious programs, it’s important to uninstall them and change all your passwords immediately.

9. Pop-ups or messages from strange websites

If you start seeing pop-ups or messages from websites that you don’t recognize, it’s possible that your computer has been infected with malware. This malware could be used to track your web browsing activity or even steal your personal information. If you see any suspicious pop-ups, it’s important to run a virus scan and remove any malicious software that may have been installed on your system.

10. Your friends or family say you’ve been sending them strange messages

If your friends or family tell you that you’ve been sending them strange messages, it’s possible that your social media accounts have been hacked. Hackers may use your account to send spam or phishing messages to your contacts. If you notice any suspicious activity, it’s important to change your passwords and security settings as soon as possible.

If you suspect that you may have been a victim of hacking, it’s important to act quickly to regain control of your accounts and protect your personal information. Change your passwords immediately and consider adding extra security measures, such as two-factor authentication. You should also run a virus scan on your computer to remove any malicious software that may have been installed. If you suspect that your personal information has been compromised, it’s important to contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They’ll be able to help you cancel your cards and prevent any further fraudulent charges. Lastly, you should contact the police if you think you may have been a victim of identity theft or fraud. They’ll be able to help you file a report and investigate the incident.

What to do if you think you’ve been hacked

If you think you may have been hacked, it’s important to act quickly to regain control of your accounts and protect your personal information. Change your passwords immediately and consider adding extra security measures, such as two-factor authentication. You should also run a virus scan on your computer to remove any malicious software that may have been installed.

If you suspect that your personal information has been compromised, it’s important to contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They’ll be able to help you cancel your cards and prevent any further fraudulent charges. Lastly, you should contact the police if you think you may have been a victim of identity theft or fraud. They’ll be able to help you file a report and investigate the incident.

How to prevent getting hacked

There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself from getting hacked.

First, you should always use strong passwords for your online accounts. A strong password is one that is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You should never use the same password for multiple accounts.

Second, you should enable two-factor authentication whenever it’s available. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password.

Third, you should be careful about the information you share online. You should never post sensitive information, such as your home address or Social Security number, on social media or other websites. Additionally, you should be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders. These could contain malware that could infect your computer.

Finally, you should keep your computer’s security software up to date. This will help protect your computer from malware and other online threats.