How to Tell if Your Business Has Been Hacked
We are relying more on the internet when it comes to our businesses. Using technology we can target a wider audience, reduce budgets and incorporate automated processes into our websites, which all make for a more efficient and professional service. But...and it is a big but....the more we rely on the internet, the more we put ourselves at risk of cyberattacks. These attacks can be utterly debilitating and with cyber criminals becoming increasingly deceptive and difficult to detect, it is paramount to be vigilant and learn to recognise when you may have become the victim of a hack.
Spotting the signs early and taking action is key in resolving the issues and saving your business from all manner of potential pitfalls.
Tell Tale Signs that You Might Have Been Hacked
Have Your Login Details Been Changed?
Ever not been able to log into your personal accounts on your computer? It is really frustrating, but more than that, it could be a sign that your data has been compromised. Cyber hackers are very good at working their way into systems and changing login details. They are then at liberty to ransom your details and run amok among your files. Definitely not something you need when you are running a business.
Don’t Recognise a Software Installation?
Do you occasionally see mysterious software on your computer? If so, don’t ignore it as it could be another indicator that cyber crime is at play. When you legitimately want to install new software you usually have to go through a process requiring consent and if this is not there then someone else has installed the rogue software for you. Once they have done this they can take control over your system and uninstall any anti-virus protection; they are also free to cause all kinds of other potentially destructive issues.
Spotting Mystery Financial Activity?
Destroying people’s online systems is a full time job for hackers, and it’s a job they want to make pay. This is why they often make a beeline for company accounts, so if you see any strange activity in your business statements, question it immediately; this could be a clear sign of illicit activity.
Is Your Computer Unusually Sluggish?
Computers do slow with age and with decreased available storage but this is a gradual process that should not be significantly noticeable. If you detect a sudden slow down in functioning, however, it could be the sign of something more sinister. Was your computer working perfectly yesterday but today is struggling to keep up to speed? If so, someone may have gained access to your system and started transferring your data or files or, worse still, infected it with a virus.
Have You Seen Any Weird File Changes?
In an effort to remain undetected hackers will often modify or delete system files once they have gained access to your network. These changes are subtle and take minutes to complete, and if you don’t monitor your files regularly, this form of data hacking can remain unnoticed for months leading to bigger and bigger problems.
Take Action NOW
Criminals are patient and work on data a little at a time to avoid detection. They are adept at finding ways to beat security systems and exposing vulnerabilities in business networks, which is what makes them tricky to defeat. Remember, though, that prevention is much better and easier than finding a cure, which is why we encourage businesses to get in touch with us, here at Defended Solutions. Our expert team will take the worry and stress out of keeping the hidden enemy at bay, leaving you free to get on with running your business, the job you are best at.
