How to find out who is climbing on your computer. Signs of a compromised computer

09.01.2014

This article lists 11 clear signs that your system has been compromised and provides recommendations for what to do in such a situation. Since the compromised computer does not deserve full trust

Roger A. Grimes. 11 Sure Signs You "ve Been Hacked, www.infoworld.com

Redirecting search queries on the Web, programs installed on a computer that appeared from nowhere, strange mouse behavior: what to do if you are under a hood?

In today's world of threats, antivirus software leaves little room for choice. In practice, antivirus scanners make mistakes quite often, especially when it comes to exploits that appeared less than a day ago. After all, hackers and malware can change tactics at any time. It is enough to rearrange a couple of bytes, and a malicious program that was well detected earlier will instantly cease to be recognized.

In order to combat the proliferating mutants, many antivirus programs monitor the behavior of software tools (the corresponding functions are often called heuristic), thus catching unrecognized malicious programs. It also uses virtual environments, system health monitoring, network traffic analysis, and all of the above at the same time to help improve the accuracy of the results. And yet, antiviruses make mistakes on a regular basis.

In this article, we'll list 11 telltale signs that your system has been compromised and what to do in such a situation. Please note that for a complete system recovery in all cases, you need to follow the recommendation number one. Once upon a time, this meant reformatting a computer's hard drive, reinstalling all programs, and then restoring data. Today, in some operating environments, simply clicking the Restore button is sufficient. Be that as it may, you can no longer fully trust a compromised computer. Each of the points contains recommendations that you need to follow if you do not want to complete the full recovery procedure. Still, it should be emphasized that the best option, excluding any risks, is a full system recovery.

1. Fake anti-virus program message

Today, a fake antivirus message has become a sure sign that your system has been compromised. True, most people do not understand that by the time they receive such a warning from antivirus, the damage may be irreparable. Clicking No or Cancel to prevent a falsified antivirus scan of your system is no longer enough. Too late. The malware exploited vulnerabilities in non-updated software (most often the Java Runtime Environment or Adobe products) and completely took control of the system.

Why does malware issue such an "antivirus warning"? Because a fake scan that detects tons of "viruses" is a good incentive to buy products distributed by hackers. Clicking on the suggested link will take the user to a professionally made website full of numerous recommendations. You will be asked for your credit card number and other accounting information. You will probably be surprised to find out how many people fall for this bait and provide their financial information. Attackers gain complete control over your system, as well as credit card and banking information. This is what burglars are most interested in.

What to do. As soon as you find a fake antivirus warning message (and you need to know what a real antivirus program's warning looks like), shut down your computer. If you need to save some information, and the system allows you to do this, save it. After that, terminate her work. Boot your computer in safe mode without using the network and try to uninstall recently installed software (often it is uninstalled in the same way as legitimate programs). In any case, try to restore your system and bring it back to its previous state. If you succeed, test your computer normally and make sure that the fake antivirus warnings no longer appear. Then run a full anti-virus scan of your system. Antivirus often detects other malware that escapes your sight.

2. Unwanted browser toolbars

This is perhaps the second most common sign that your system has been compromised. There are many new toolbars that appear in the browser, whose names indicate that they are intended to help you. But if you're not sure if the dashboard is offered by a reputable vendor, it makes sense to get rid of it.

What to do. Most browsers allow you to view a list of installed and active toolbars. Delete the ones that you definitely don't need. If in any doubt, remove the panel. If an unwanted toolbar does not appear in the list, or you cannot delete it using simple methods, your browser may support the ability to return to its default settings. If that doesn't work, try the same steps as for fake antivirus messages. Usually, you can avoid the appearance of unwanted toolbars if you have all software updates installed and there are no free programs that install these panels. Tip: read the license agreements. Information about installing toolbars is most often found in licensing agreements, which most users do not pay any attention to.

3. Redirecting search queries on the Internet

Many hackers solve their problem by redirecting your browser to the wrong place where you want to go. Hackers get paid for redirecting users to certain websites. Usually, the owners of these resources do not even suspect that the corresponding redirection is carried out by introducing malicious programs on users' computers.

This type of malware can often be identified by typing a few common words associated with it (for example, "puppy" or "goldfish") on an Internet search engine and checking to see if the same sites appear in the results - almost never directly related to the specified words. Unfortunately, today, many forwarded requests are well hidden from the user's eyes due to the use of additional proxy servers, and the user is never returned worthless results that could alert him. In fact, if you have a toolbar that is not clear where it came from, then you were also redirected somewhere. Technically well-trained users who want to be sure of the validity of their results can examine their browser's information streams and network traffic. The traffic sent and received from compromised and uncompromised computers is always noticeably different.

What to do. Follow the instructions above. Usually, removing unwanted toolbars and programs is enough to get rid of malicious redirects.

4. Frequent pop-ups

Pop-ups are annoying, besides being a sign of your system being compromised. If your browser suddenly starts displaying pop-ups that haven't appeared before, then your system has been compromised. Fighting bypassing browser pop-up blocking is similar to fighting spam, only in an even more hypertrophied form.

What to do. Perhaps the next recommendation will cause you to associate with a worn-out record, but we can only state once again that the appearance of randomly pop-up windows is due to one of the reasons already described. Therefore, if you do not want to contemplate pop-ups, the first step is to get rid of unwanted toolbars and other programs.

5. Your friends receive fake emails from your mailing address

This is one of those scenarios where you personally might be fine. It is common for our friends to receive malicious emails from us. Ten years ago, when the distribution of viruses attached to email became ubiquitous, malicious programs scanned your address book and sent fake emails to all recipients who were present in it.

Today, malicious email usually only reaches a select few of your contacts. In this case, the computer is most likely not compromised (at least by malware that hunts for email addresses). And in fake emails, your address does not appear as the sender's address (although this does not always happen either). Your name may be listed there, but there is no correct email address.

What to do. If one of your friends reports that they have received a fake email, allegedly on your behalf, run a full anti-virus scan on your computer and search for programs and toolbars installed without your knowledge. Quite often, there is nothing to worry about, but, nevertheless, an extra check does not hurt.

6. Your network passwords have suddenly changed

If one or more passwords suddenly change, it is most likely that your system has been compromised (or an Internet service has been compromised). The most common reason for this is the user's response to a phishing email, allegedly from the service on which he is registered. The result is a password change without your knowledge. The attacker receives the credentials of interest to him, registers on the service on behalf of the user who owns the stolen confidential information, changes the password (as well as other information to make it difficult to recover) and uses the service to steal money from the user or his friends (posing as him ).

What to do. If the cybercriminals' activity has become serious and they managed to get to many of your acquaintances, immediately notify your friends that your account has been compromised. This should be done in order to minimize the damage done to others due to your mistake. Second, notify the service about your compromised account. Most services are accustomed to this kind of interference and quickly return the account to your control. You will receive a new password in a few minutes. For some services, the corresponding procedure is fully automated. And some even have a button "My friend was hacked", with the help of which your authorized person can initiate the necessary actions. This is quite useful because friends often know that you have been hacked even before you do.

If compromised credentials are used on other sites, change your passwords immediately. And be more careful next time. Websites never send out emails asking you to provide your account information. If in any doubt, visit the site directly (rather than using the link provided in the email) and check the information with the one displayed on your computer screen when using the safety precautions. Call the service by phone or write an email informing the service provider of the phishing mail. Consider moving to services with two-factor authentication. In this case, it will be much more difficult to steal your credentials.

7. The appearance of programs installed without your knowledge

The unexpected and unwanted appearance of new programs on the computer is a clear sign that the system has been compromised. At the dawn of the emergence of malicious programs, most of them belonged to the category of computer viruses that modified legitimate software. This was done for the purpose of disguise. Today, most malware is distributed in the form of Trojans or worms, which are usually installed in the same way as legitimate programs. Perhaps this is because their creators are trying to balance on a fine line beyond which their prosecution begins. They try to pass themselves off as developers of legitimate software. Often, unwanted software is traditionally installed by other software, so read the license agreements carefully. They clearly describe the installation of one or more additional programs. Sometimes you can refuse to install these additional programs, sometimes not.

What to do. There are many free utilities that show all programs installed on your computer and allow you to selectively uninstall them.

For example, the CCleaner utility does not provide information about all programs installed on the computer, but notifies about those programs that are automatically launched at the time the PC boots. Most malware falls into this category. The hardest part is determining which programs are legitimate and which are not. If in doubt, disable the unrecognized program, restart your PC and only launch it if you need features that have stopped working.

8. The mouse pointer, without your participation, moves between the windows of programs, selecting certain elements

If your mouse cursor begins to move on its own, while highlighting some elements, you are undoubtedly hacked. Mouse pointers move randomly quite often - this usually happens when some kind of hardware problem occurs. But if at the same time the mouse selects the interface elements correctly and launches certain programs, the hand of the author of the malicious programs is felt in all this.

Attacks of this kind are not as widespread as some others, but, nevertheless, it should be remembered that hackers can hack into your computer, wait until the user stops showing signs of activity (for example, after midnight) and try to steal your money. Hackers get information about bank accounts and withdraw money from them, sell shares you own and perform other actions aimed at making your wallet easier.

What to do. If your computer unexpectedly comes to life at night, wait a minute before turning it off and try to determine what intruders are interested in. Don't let them rob you, but it's still helpful to see what they are after. If you have a cell phone close at hand, take a few pictures to document your operations. Sometimes it makes sense to shut down your computer. Unplug it (or turn off your router) and contact a professional. This is when you need expert help.

Change all your credentials and passwords immediately using a different computer. Check the history of transactions with bank account, securities, etc. Connect services that will promptly inform you about any transactions with financial resources. If you are the victim of such an attack, you must take it seriously. It makes sense to reinstall your computer software from scratch. If you lose money, have law enforcement officials make copies of all information stored on your computer beforehand. Promptly notify them of what happened and write a corresponding statement. If the outcome is favorable, computer data will help you get your money back.

9.Your antivirus software, task manager and registry editor are disabled and won't start

The chances are high that your computer is infected with malware. If you find that your antivirus software is disabled and won't start, your system is likely hacked (especially if Task Manager with Registry Editor won't start either, disappear right after startup, or start in reduced functionality mode). This is most likely caused by malware.

What to do. Since it is unclear what exactly happened, a full system restore should be performed. If you want to try something less radical first, there are many different methods to restore the lost functionality (any Internet search engine will give you a lot of links). Restart your computer in safe mode and proceed with the difficult procedure. Be aware that it is unlikely that you will be able to solve all the problems quickly. Typically, before you get to the way that works, several attempts will fail. To remove the malware, first try using the methods that have already been described.

10. The money has disappeared from your bank account

It is about a large amount of money. Cybercriminals usually don't waste their money on trivialities. Most often, they transfer all or almost all of the funds to some foreign bank. It usually starts with hacking your computer or your response to a fake letter from a bank. Then the attacker goes to the bank's website in your personal account, changes the contact information there and transfers himself a large amount of money.

What to do. In most cases, financial institutions will compensate for the damage caused (especially if they manage to stop the transaction in time). In such a situation, the client can be considered lucky. However, quite often the courts make a determination, according to which the blame for the hacking is attributed to the client himself, and then the right to make the final decision is given to the financial institution itself.

In order to avoid possible unpleasant consequences, activate the SMS-notification service about operations with funds in your bank account. Many financial institutions allow you to set a threshold for withdrawing money, and if this threshold is exceeded, or money is withdrawn abroad, you will receive a corresponding warning. Unfortunately, there are cases when cybercriminals blocked the sending of such messages or changed contact information before stealing money. Therefore, make sure that your bank in any case will send warnings to the previous address or send a notification about the change in contact information.

11. Complaints come from stores about non-payment of previously shipped goods

In this case, the hackers hacked into one of your accounts and made a series of purchases with your shipping address. Often, cybercriminals order a lot of everything in different stores, each of which, after checking the balance, believes that you have enough funds in your account. But when the transaction goes through completely, it turns out that the money has run out.

What to do. A sad situation. First, try to figure out how your account was hacked. If you used one of the methods described above, follow the appropriate recommendations. Change your usernames and passwords (not just for a compromised account), contact law enforcement, initiate a criminal case, and closely monitor the status of your loans. It may take several months to reverse fake transactions made on your behalf, but most of the damage (and maybe all losses) can be eliminated.

A few years ago, you would have had a negative credit history that would drag on for decades. Today, credit reporting companies and agencies are accustomed to cybercrime and are seeking to resolve such situations. In any case, be proactive and try to follow all the recommendations of law enforcement agencies, lenders and credit rating agencies.

Three main ways to avoid the negative impact of malware

There is no need to hope for the emergence of an antivirus that would ideally filter all malicious programs and block the actions of hackers. First and foremost, look out for the signs and symptoms (listed above) that indicate that your system has been compromised. To avoid risks, always reinstall all software on compromised computers. Once your computer is compromised, an attacker can do anything and hide anywhere. Therefore, it is better to start with a clean slate.

Most hacks are based on three main reasons: non-updated software, launching Trojans, and responding to fake phishing emails. Eliminate these three factors and you will have much less reliance on the accuracy of your antivirus software. Good luck.

The first thing that might make you think about a possible hack is sudden write-offs of funds that you have nothing to do with. This is a clear sign that fraudsters could gain access to your card information or have "hijacked" the account of one of the payment services you are using.

If your balance of funds is always at hand, you will quickly notice suspicious activity. If you rarely check your account and you don't even have an SMS or email alert connected, it's time to do it.

Messages with codes for confirmation of purchases, which, of course, you did not make, also cannot be ignored in any case. Regardless of whether you know the sender or not, you must immediately contact the bank.

2. Slowdown of the device

Malware that has infiltrated your computer or smartphone may require a lot of processing power. Therefore, if you notice a decrease in performance, which is significant, unexpected and long-term, you should immediately check the device for viruses and limit any network activity for this period. If no threats were detected, perhaps the reason for the slowdown.

3. Disabling or interruptions in the work of security programs

If malware has made its way into the system and managed to settle down, it is possible that it will try to close or isolate all the means of protection that are dangerous to it. A reason to sound the alarm is an involuntary shutdown or the inability to start an on-demand computer scan. This situation can be avoided by constantly updating the anti-virus databases and downloading applications only from trusted sources.

If the protection of your device missed at least one malware, then soon there may be much more of them. A threat rooted in a PC can initiate the download of additional attackers' tools, which can be represented by both additional software and browser extensions.

You can check which software is active at the time the computer is running using the "Task Manager" on Windows (called by the Ctrl + Alt + Del key combination) and "System Monitor" on macOS (found in the list of "Utilities" or "Programs"). In the browser you are using, you need to open a list of all extensions and similarly check what is installed and what starts automatically.

5. Increase in the number of pop-ups

Through the browser and some other applications, malware can bombard you with pop-up windows asking you to scan your computer or check your account information. These windows often look quite authentic and do not arouse suspicion, but if they began to appear much more often than before, then this is a reason to think.

Nowadays modern browsers and operating systems in general do an excellent job with annoying pop-ups, but there is still a possibility that the initiator of the display of the next window or banner is a malware that has sneaked onto the PC.

Malware can alter system settings as well. A classic example is changing the home page of your browser or search engine. Seeing a completely new and at the same time rather dubious page when loading the same Chrome or Firefox, of course, you should not follow the links on it.

It is especially important to keep an eye on requests to change system settings and granting permissions to new programs. The latter is very important in the case of smartphones, where seemingly elementary applications may require a whole list of rights to access the bowels of the gadget.

7. Uncontrolled device activity

If at times it seems to you that your computer or smartphone has a life of its own, then it is likely that someone is controlling it remotely. This is done through a backdoor application that you may have downloaded along with the recently downloaded content.

Such remote access can be tracked by the device's involuntary waking from sleep mode, sudden hard disk activity while the PC is idle, and even in the spontaneous movement of the mouse cursor. Fortunately, lately such impudent hacks are extremely rare, especially if you use exclusively licensed software.

In addition to activity inside the system, malware can cause a sudden shutdown or restart of a device. This may well indicate partial control over the PC and attempts to destabilize the system.

You should only panic here when such outages have become more frequent and there were no prerequisites for this: you do not overload the PC with demanding games and control the heating. In such cases, again, it is worth checking the active processes in the "Task Manager" and especially autorun.

9. Sending messages without your knowledge

If they gain access to your mail, attackers will try to spread their tentacles as much as possible. Spamming on your behalf is the first thing to look out for. Check not only new mail every day, but also your sent emails folder. Having noticed something suspicious, hurry up to change from this account, and it is better to do it through another device.

10. Suspicious online activity

You can become a source of spam not only in mail, but also on social networks. Moreover, cybercriminals usually do not limit themselves to sending messages. If this is, for example, Twitter, a mass of new subscriptions and comments under other people's posts can speak of hacking an account. And the trouble is that all this can only be revealed after some time, when your account has already been used to the maximum.

You can protect yourself from this only with the help of vigilance, that is, periodic checking of the main actions in each specific network. If you find dubious messages and comments that you could not leave even while drunk, be sure to change the password using another device.

11. Denial of access to your accounts

If, when logging into one of the services, your standard password suddenly did not fit, then, probably, the attackers, having gained access to your account, managed to change it. In the case of a large service or social network, you shouldn't panic. You can be helped by a form for recovering and changing your password via mail or by contacting technical support directly.

To increase the level of protection for all your accounts and social networks, you need to use.

Outcome

Even if you think that the danger has passed and the account data has not suffered, it is definitely worth playing it safe. Let us remind you again that it always makes sense to periodically update the passwords of your accounts, especially if the same password is used in several services.

If any of the online accounts has been hacked, immediately report it to technical support. Even if you easily regained access, it is still worth doing it, because you do not know where the "hijacked" account was used.

On your PC, be sure to install a reliable antivirus with fresh databases, or at least systematically check the system with lightweight portable options. If for some reason it is not possible to install or run such software on an infected computer, you must download the program through another device and then try to copy it.

It is possible that a system reset may be required for a full recovery. In this case, you need to take care of the data that is important to you. Fortunately, it can now be done on any device, regardless of OS.

Today hacker attacks are on everyone's lips and everyone is worried about the security of their data. In order to prevent theft of passwords and other important information, it is worth paying attention to any changes in your computer.

We suggest checking the checklist for signs that your computer has been hacked. And if the fears are confirmed, we will show you what to do.

1. Antivirus is disabled

If you yourself have not turned off your antivirus program, but notice that it is turned off, this is a sure sign that your computer has been compromised. By itself, it cannot shut down. First of all, hackers get rid of the antivirus to make it easier to access your files.

2. Passwords don't work

If you haven't changed your passwords, but they suddenly stop working and you can't log into your accounts, it's time to be alert - most likely, your computer has been hacked.

3. The number of friends has increased dramatically

4. New icons on the toolbar

When you open your browser and notice new icons on the toolbar, this may indicate a malicious code infiltration.

5. The cursor moves by itself

If you notice that the mouse cursor is moving on its own and highlighting something, this is a sure sign of a hack.

6. Unusual printer behavior

Signs of a hack affect not only the computer itself, but can also manifest itself in the operation of the printer. For example, when it refuses to print or prints files that you did not send to print.

7. Redirecting to other sites

If your browser is constantly redirecting you to other sites, it's time to be wary. The same is true if you enter a search query, and other pages instead of Google or Yandex search results appear. The frequent occurrence of pop-ups also speaks of a hack.

8. Files deleted without your participation

If you notice that some programs and files have moved to the trash bin or deleted completely, but you did not, there is no doubt that your computer has been jailbroken.

9. The Internet contains your personal information that you did not disclose

Check it out with a search engine: search for information about yourself that you definitely did not disclose on the web. If you can find it, then your computer was hacked to steal information.

10. Fake antivirus messages

If a virus warning window pops up on your computer, but it looks different than usual, this is a sign of a hack. You should also be wary if a new antivirus has appeared on your computer.

11. Unusual webcam behavior

Check your webcam: if its indicator light is blinking by itself, restart your computer and see if it blinks after 10 minutes. If the indicator light continues to flash, then your computer has been jailbroken.

12. The computer is running very slowly

If your computer takes too long to perform the simplest operations, and your Internet connection slows down noticeably, this could also be a sign of a hack.

What to do:

• Alert your friends and email recipients that you have been hacked. Tell them not to open messages from you or follow the links in them.
• Inform your bank about a possible breach of your personal data. Ask them how to protect your funds.
• Remove any programs you are unfamiliar with and those that do not start.
• Install a reliable antivirus and scan your system. Some companies release free versions.
• Change passwords on all your accounts.
• If it seems to you that the problem has not been solved, contact a specialist

Any user of the social network "VKontakte" sooner or later may face such a problem as hacking of personal data. In this case, the user himself completely or partially loses control over the page: spam is sent to friends on his behalf, provocative or any other third-party information is posted on the wall, etc. That is why it is important to know in advance how to understand that you have been hacked in VK in order to respond in a timely manner to the situation.

Typical signs of hacking in VK

There are a number of characteristic signs by which you can understand that:

• the page displays the "Online" status at the same time when you are not online. You can fix this moment with the help of friends who, at your request, will follow the activity on your page;
  
• friends start to receive allegedly spam or mailings from you that you did not actually send;
  
• new, unread messages in bold become read;
  
• you can understand that the VK page has been hacked, as in other social networks, from the settings, see the instructions below;
• I can't sign in with my own password.
  

Let's consider step by step how to find out that you have been hacked in VK using the "Settings" menu:

Even if you find out that the VKontakte page has been hacked, like in other social networks, you will need to immediately change the password to a more complex one and take a number of other measures to protect your profile.

What to do if you get hacked

If you understand that you have lost control over the personal information of VK, you must:

Reliable protection against burglary is provided by the “Login confirmation” function. This means that each time you log in, you will need to enter a one-time code that comes to your phone or other connected device. More information on how to protect your page from hacking in different ways can be found in a separate article.

We all know that malicious programs (aka computer viruses) pose a threat not only to the operating system, but can also lead to the loss of personal data (documents, photos, audio and video recordings, passwords from bank accounts, etc.) that are stored on the hard drive of the PC and laptop.

But this is not the only virtual danger that lies in wait for ordinary users. Hackers can also get into a computer. They commit their atrocities with one purpose - to take possession of confidential information that is stored on the hard drive of the PC. In order not to get hooked, pay attention to 7 main signs that indicate a possible hacker attack.

Sign number 1 - change of personal passwords

One of the most beloved tactics that many hackers adhere to is changing passwords for a particular user's personal accounts. This is done in an elementary way - by sorting. Usually, special programs are used for this, which allow you to sort through thousands of possible combinations in a short period of time.

If you have lost access to your account or you cannot enter your password (and you are 100% sure that you are entering the combination correctly), most likely these are hackers' tricks. To prevent hacking, you need to follow simple guidelines. First, do not use simple passwords that contain only numbers or letters (for example, date of birth and initials). These combinations are easy to crack. It is better to come up with a complex password that contains numbers and letters of different case. Second, change your passwords more often, even if they are complex.

Sign # 2 - a fake virus on a PC

Occasionally, a dialog box-shaped message appears on the desktop of the PC that warns that the computer has been attacked by hackers. The calculation in this situation is made for children and novice PC users who are poorly versed in the intricacies of viral infection. Many people, in a mild panic, hopefully click on a link and "open the door" to malware.

This type of virus injection on a computer is the most common among hackers today - gullible people follow a link, thereby doing a great favor to cybercriminals. This is the same as if you gave your credit card to the thief with a pin code in the bargain. Do not be fooled by such divorces, otherwise you risk ditching the operating system and losing personal data. In such situations, you just need to run a scan with a standard anti-virus or use the Dr.Web CureIt utility.

Ghost # 3 - direct blackmail method

Another effective hacking method, which is based on putting the user into a state of shock and stress. When you visit suspicious sites (especially Internet resources that contain adult content on their pages and do not have a secure connection channel), a pop-up window with text may appear on the computer screen. The message usually says that you have violated some article of the federal law and are now obliged to pay a fine or "pay ransom" so that the computer is not blocked forever.

According to this scheme, in June 2017, a wave of cyber attacks swept across Russia and Ukraine, as well as some European countries. The unknown Wanna Cry virus blocked computers, encrypted data and demanded a ransom of $ 500. The ransomware virus has damaged not only ordinary users, but also large international companies. So be careful - when such a window appears, immediately turn off your computer and use the Dr.Web LiveDisk healing utility.

Sign number 4 - antivirus failure

Many users fully trust their antivirus software. But it's better to check them from time to time. Otherwise, at one point, you may find that active antivirus protection is disabled. This is how enterprising hackers sometimes act. When they disable your antivirus scanner, they gain full access to your computer and can inject a virus without any danger signal.

Regularly checking the operation of your antivirus program is the key to your peace of mind. Also, it will not be superfluous to personally control updates to the built-in signature database. This can sometimes save your computer's life and prevent data loss on your hard drive.

Sign # 5 - frequent pop-ups

Many users are familiar with annoying pop-up windows on the desktop that constantly need to be closed manually. However, if this happens too often, then be sure to think about what is the reason? Usually antivirus will instantly block any involuntary processes. If for some reason this does not happen, check if the antivirus program is turned on?

Sign number 6 - automatic downloading of programs

Programs that are downloaded from the Internet in "exe." Format usually require confirmation to be unpacked. However, if the software is downloaded to your computer from a suspicious site, then after launching the file, you may find that additional "left-hand" applications and browsers are installed on the PC. Moreover, this process occurs automatically (sometimes completely invisible to the user).

At best, there will be no free space on your hard drive to download new files, and at worst, you will lose control over the operation of the operating system. How can you avoid this? Very simple. Pay attention to your site's safety ratings. Try to download programs for your computer only from trusted official Internet resources. Before you install the software, it will not be superfluous to check it for viruses.

Sign number 7 - "live" arrow on the screen

This is the most obvious type of hacker attack. If the mouse cursor moves randomly around the screen without your intervention, it's time to sound the alarm, since the control of the computer completely belongs to the hacker. Having taken possession of the mouse, he can perform any operations on the PC. The surest way to counter a hacker attack is to shut down your PC right away.