Introduction
Cyber security issues such as hacking and loss of data are now rife in the world that continues to advance in modern technology. It is also important to note that even an ordinary person can get caught in a cyber-attack that may lead to loss of data, identity thefts or even acts of fraud. That is why the best way is to pay attention to the signs that your online accounts or devices may have been compromised.
Below are seven things that can help you know if you have been involved in a cyber-attack:
Account activity and login notifications
That is why one of the most effective methods to identify unwanted interest is to monitor the activity in your online profiles. Search for activities that you do not know, for example, logins from unknown locations, password changes that you did not perform, or new devices registered. A lot of services will notify you via email or an app notification when something significant happens to your account, and you should not brush them off. Any suspicious activity noticed should be immediately escalated to the service provider.
Scan for Viruses and Malware
Cybercriminals often leverage malware or viruses to enter devices and access information. Look out for signs such as frequent crashing or freezing, slow performance, new pop-ups, or your camera or microphone turning on without being prompted. Perform automated scans for virus detection on a routine basis. On mobile, check what permissions you may have unknowingly granted to unknown apps as well. Another option is to try deleting any existing malware by restoring the devices to their factory settings.
Check Other Accounts for Unknown Alterations
Check in on all the various accounts you use with great care and review settings, phone numbers, connected apps. Look for minor anomalies that may suggest a third party has gained access. Especially, bear it in mind when it comes to adjustments to the security parameters, password generation, withdrawal or transfer specifications of financial accounts that allow for the retrieval of your money or data. Ensure that phone numbers, emails or physical addresses that may be required in the writing are still valid. Get rid of any connected services that are not recognizable as soon as possible.
Check Credit Reports and Bank Statements
Constantly scrutinize your statements and credit reports to capture any inconsistencies. Check for names you didn’t recognize, purchases you never made, transfers to accounts you never opened, or debts you know nothing about. In case of any fraudulent activity, contact the bank and credit bureaus to make a complaint. There are cases when you may need to submit a fraud alert or credit freeze in case your financial accounts have been affected. One of the most effective ways to detect cybercrime is through monitoring financial statements.
Beware of Phishing Attempts
Phishing is another method in which cyber criminals send emails, phone calls or text messages that are intended to deceive the recipient to provide credentials or inadvertently download malware. Never follow links or attachments in unsolicited communications. Instead, use any browser of your choice to go to any sites that you require. For all accounts, use complex and distinct passwords and enable the option of two-factor authentication wherever possible. Research on typical phishing techniques for example using time-sensitive cues, unsanctioned communication structures or fake identities.
You need to check if you have old online accounts
Create an inventory of all the accounts you have online and make sure to check all of them. Thus, any account that is not being used anymore should be deactivated or removed from the application, not remain active and logged in. People tend to have old accounts that they can forget about for a long time and this is where criminals get information about you. This makes it difficult for hackers to capitalize on the situation because you are always on the lookout. Get login notifications, use different passwords for different accounts, and connect email with a trusted contact person to regain control.
Check Your Data Leaked on the Dark Web
Other services such as identity theft protection companies can conduct dark web searches with the intention of ascertaining whether your social security number, bank details, or login details are being traded in the black markets and cybercrime platforms. They serve as an alert service that informs a person or company if their data is likely to be used fraudulently. Of course, no system is perfect, and it is crucial to note that dark web monitoring provides some indication of breached accounts and provides the victims with the opportunity to protect themselves.
Conclusion
The only way to prevent such fast-moving cybercriminals is to be proactive about account security and monitoring for signs of unauthorized access attempts. If even some of these checks are incorporated an attacker is usually halted in their process or if not at least the amount of damage done is limited. Do not dismiss signals with the mentality that breaches are “not going to happen to me”. Use these seven methods to ensure that you recognize hacks at an early stage and deal with them adequately. Adhering to good cyber hygiene drastically minimizes your odds of becoming one of the many victims in today’s interconnected environment.
Hightech Computers 