How to Tell If Your Computer Has Been Hacked and How to Fix It

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a growing concern for Malaysians. With an estimated cyberattack occurring every 32 seconds globally, it’s crucial for Malaysian computer users to stay vigilant. While many attacks target businesses, individuals are also at risk of having their personal information stolen from computers, smartphones, and tablets.

As cybercriminals continue to evolve their methods, it’s essential to remain aware of your computer’s security status. No one invites hackers, but it’s an unfortunate reality we must face. If you find yourself in this situation, here’s how to detect if your computer has been hacked and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Signs of a Hacked Computer

The first step in identifying a hack is to check your most frequently used and important accounts, such as email, social media profiles, and bank accounts. For instance, have your friends or family members messaged you about strange DMs they’ve received from your account? Or perhaps you’ve noticed unusual transactions in your bank statement?

These breaches clearly indicate that a particular account has been compromised. If you notice any suspicious activity, take immediate action: change your password, notify the company, and try to identify the type of cyberattack to secure your personal data effectively.

Two Common Types of Attacks in Malaysia

Let’s examine two prevalent attacks in Malaysia and how to prevent and address them.

1. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attack

A DoS attack often manifests as a sudden, unexplained password change for an account or device. Another indicator is the inability to access key system settings, such as factory reset or system restore options. In some cases, a DoS attack may escalate to ransomware, where hackers attempt to hold your stolen data for ransom.

To protect yourself from DoS attacks, follow these basic security measures:

• Use strong, unique passwords for each site or consider a secure password manager
• Set up an internet firewall
• Be cautious of email phishing attempts

Here are four additional steps to prevent DoS attacks:

Monitor Your Online Account Settings

Regularly check your online accounts for any recent changes, especially on social media platforms. Many sites allow you to secure your account through the account settings if you suspect suspicious activity.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for hackers to access your account even if they obtain your password. Many major companies in Malaysia, including banks and e-commerce platforms, offer this option in their security settings.

Check for Suspicious Logins

Most online accounts allow you to view login history, including location and IP address. If you notice unfamiliar login attempts, immediately change your password and notify the company of the compromise. Also, remove any linked credit cards or financial information to prevent further identity theft.

Disable Remote Access

While remote access is useful in certain work settings, it’s generally safer to turn it off for personal devices. This helps prevent hackers from installing malware on your device remotely.

To disable remote access on your PC:

1. Click on the Windows Start button
2. Type “Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent to this computer” in the search bar
3. Uncheck the box next to “Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer”
4. Click Apply

To check for unauthorized remote access:

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del
2. Click on Task Manager
3. Review your current processes
4. Identify any unusual or suspicious processes or applications

You can also use the Windows Event Viewer app to check for unfamiliar remote access events.

2. Suspicious Applications on Your PC

If you find unfamiliar programs or applications on your computer, they could be malware used for keylogging or accessing your online accounts. Uninstall these suspicious applications immediately.

To ensure you can see all applications, start your Windows PC in Safe Mode, then uninstall any suspicious programs to clean up your system.

Fake Antivirus Messages and Pop-ups

Malware often generates fake antivirus messages and unwanted pop-ups. If you encounter random pop-ups, don’t click on them. Instead, close your browser and restart it in incognito mode. Then, verify that your computer’s antivirus program, firewall, task manager, and registry haven’t been disabled or altered.

Never download antivirus software without thorough research and vetting. If it seems illegitimate, it probably is and may introduce malware to your PC.

The Trojan Attack

Fake antivirus software can act as a Trojan, allowing cybercriminals to access your computer. If you accidentally install such a program, your operating system may view it as trusted and allow further malicious downloads.

If you fall victim to a Trojan attack, consider formatting your hard drive. This can be challenging if you haven’t backed up your important data. To stay prepared, explore reliable backup solutions for your Windows PC.

If formatting isn’t an option, download a malware removal tool from an uninfected device and connect it to your infected system via a USB flash drive. This method often removes the fake antivirus software without damaging your PC.

Browser Hijacking and Search Redirection

If your browser suddenly loads an unfamiliar homepage, it may be a sign of a virus redirecting your browser. Hackers often do this to serve ads or redirect you to a mirror of popular search engines that earn them ad revenue.

To address this:

1. Remove any unrecognized third-party browser add-ons, extensions, and toolbars
2. Reset your browser to its default homepage
3. Remove unwanted search engines from your browser settings
4. Restart your PC in Safe Mode and check if the browser works as expected
5. If issues persist, run a thorough antivirus scan

Protect Your PC with HP

To enhance your computer’s security, consider upgrading to a modern, secure device. The HP EliteBook 840 14 inch G11 Business Laptop offers robust security features to keep your data safe. With its Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 125H processor and integrated security solutions, it’s an excellent choice for Malaysians looking to bolster their digital defenses.

Conclusion

Staying ahead of hackers isn’t easy, but by following these guidelines, you’ll be better equipped to detect and address computer hacking. If you notice anything unusual on your PC, immediately check for changes, especially newly installed programs or applications.

Once you identify the problem, follow the troubleshooting steps outlined above. Then, implement basic cybersecurity measures to prevent future attacks. By staying vigilant and using secure devices like HP’s EliteBook series, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks in Malaysia.