Signs you’ve been hacked—and how to take back control

In today’s digital realm, cyberattacks are not just limited to large corporations but to the common people as well. A hack can happen to anyone through e-mail, phone, bank, or social media. It is quite normal to feel stressed knowing that you have been hacked but the key to handle this situation is not to panic, but to act quickly and smartly.

Common signs that you have been hacked 

Staying aware and cautious is necessary to prevent and detect cyberattacks. Here are some common warning signs:

 

  1. Any unusual account activity in your Gmail account (even if you didn’t log in). 
  2. Your passwords are not working anymore, even if you haven’t reset your passwords. 
  3. Apps that you didn’t install are installed on their own. 
  4. Your device starts working strangely, or unusual pop-ups appear. 
  5. Strange messages are being sent to your contacts on their own.  
  6. Getting notifications of login alerts even if you haven’t logged in anywhere. 
  7. Being locked out of accounts indicates that the attacker has taken control and changed the security settings to keep you out. 
  8. Repeated system errors, unusual pop-ups, or other malicious activity affect the system’s stability. 

 

 

Steps to protect your system

In case you find your device has been hacked. Here are the steps you should follow:

 

  1. Disconnect from the internet: The best way to protect your device in case you think your device is infected is to switch off your wi-fi or mobile data. Doing this will stop the hacker from continuing to access your data. 
  2. Change your passwords immediately: First, change the passwords of your important accounts like email, bank, and social media. Use strong and unique passwords. 
  3. Two-factor authentication: Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible. 
  4. Use Antivirus software: Antivirus is the best solution to fight cyberattacks. Keep updating your software regularly and remove any suspicious apps. Also, run a full malware scan using updated antivirus or anti-malware software. 

 

 

Report it! Before it’s too late

If things go out of control, it is important to report the cyberattack to the security authorities.

 

  1. Contact the service providers: Suppose you see an unauthorized transaction in your bank account, immediately report it to the respective bank authorities. Notify your bank or service provider in case of sensitive data or financial loss. 
  2. National Cybercrime Authorities or CERT: National cybercrime authorities are designed to prevent any cyberattack, like hacking, phishing, etc. 
  3. Social Media Platforms: In case your social media account is hacked, immediately contact the higher authorities of such platforms. 

 

 

Take the lessons and strengthen your security

  1. Use a password manager that keeps all your passwords safely in place. 
  2. Don’t click on any suspicious links or unknown files. 
  3. Regularly update your software and back up your data. 
  4. Keep yourself aware of basic cybersecurity tips. 

 

 

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, such cybercrimes can create panic, but the only way to tackle such situations is to act quickly and give an immediate response. A cyberattack is an alert for every internet user to be more aware and cautious of digital safety. Antivirus and two–factor authentication are necessary steps to safeguard your sensitive information. Remember to protect yourself from cybercrime; the more prepared you are, the safer you will be. 

Related Resources

Articles Blogs Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking Vulnerability Assessment and Management Performing a Basic and Quick Web Application Penetration Testing
Performing a Basic and Quick Web Application Penetration Testing

After the widespread digitalization and online services, web applications have become a prime target for cyberattacks. Performing a basic web application penetration test helps in identifying vulnerabilities before hackers do. This article gives a brief idea of how a basic web application penetration test is performed and what tools and techniques are used to perform the test. This write-up will be helpful for those who need to perform a basic and quick VAPT on a Web Application in a short amount of time with high impact. So, let us move on to know more about advanced tools and techniques that are used and keep things secure.

Articles Blogs Social Engineering and Phishing
Phishing types and how to spot them

One of the most prevalent and harmful types of cyberattacks in use today is phishing. By posing as a reliable source, it deceives users into disclosing private information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or passwords. It has become more difficult to identify these scams as attackers have become more sophisticated. The top 5 phishing attack types are listed here, along with tips on how to recognize them before it’s too late.

Articles Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity Blogs
When AI creates illusion: Cybersecurity in a Synthetic World

We live in an AI-driven world, where deception sometimes imposters like reality. But let’s keep our senses open to the fact that “Not everything you see is real. In the age of AI, even truth wears a mask.”

You must have heard about AI-generated voices and characters. Undoubtedly, it’s a creative innovation, but the way these creative things are used to defame people and attack their privacy is somewhat raising concern among everyone. Cases like Deepfake and the malicious use of synthetic media are dangerously affecting the world.

Articles Blogs Data Privacy and Protection Getting To Know Data Privacy in India: What new laws mean for you
Getting To Know Data Privacy in India: What new laws mean for you

In today’s world, personal data is perhaps one of the most valuable assets. Whether we make an online purchase, use mobile wallets, or chat on social media, our personal information is being constantly collected, and processed. For India, which has one of the fastest-growing internet user bases, protecting this data is more critical than ever. To address growing privacy concerns, the Indian government has introduced new laws aimed at giving people more control over their data and making companies responsible for how they manage it.

Articles Blogs Data Privacy and Protection Security Awareness and Training Why does cybersecurity face a threat from quantum computing
Why does cybersecurity face a threat from quantum computing?

Is there a computer that can perform tasks that are beyond the capabilities of a typical computer? Quantum computers are the name given to these unique computers. Because they employ tiny devices known as “qubits” rather than standard “bits,” they function differently from the computers we use daily. Although quantum computing is now a reality rather than just science fiction, there are significant risks associated with this technology, particularly concerning cybersecurity.