July 2024

Has your computer been “hacked”?
This edition of Ken’s Korner’s Newsletter covers July 2024.

Has your computer been “hacked”?
Has someone gained access to your computer? Maybe even some degree of control over your machine? This is a concern that all computer users share, (or should share). Even highly classified computers in government and industry have been compromised in the past.

Your first line of defense is “Safe Surfing”. Here are some safe surfing tips:

• Do not open links in unsolicited emails or emails from senders that you do not know and trust.
• Do not download items from untrusted sites.
• Keep your computer, browser and antivirus updated.
• Use strong passwords, longer is stronger. A passphrase is even better.
• Do not share passwords or use the same password for everything.
• Gambling and porn sites are spyware central. Visit only legitimate and trusted websites for safe and secure browsing

Even the most careful and diligent people can have a bad day. Hackers work very hard to invent ways to trick you into clicking on their links. Your antivirus will protect you from many online threats but not all of them.

Here are some symptoms of a “hacked” computer:

Unusual activity.
Check your most used and vital accounts like email, social networking profiles, bank and credit cards. Have any of your friends or family contacted you about a strange message you supposedly sent to them? Have you noticed any suspicious charges to you bank or credit card account for purchases that you never made?

Strange programs
Do you have programs or apps installed on your computer, but you didn’t install them? Often these are the result of something that you did install, this was just bundled in along with it. If so, you should uninstall it immediately. Another warning sign could be programs that are opening or closing automatically.

Changes to browser home page, search engine, or extensions
If your home page suddenly changes to a different website or your search engine changes to another search engine without you doing anything. If the default program for opening files with a specific extension changes you should be suspicious.

Some other warning signs that are often portents to an intrusion are

• Webcam light mysteriously on
• Unusually slow performance and frequent crashes
• High network activity when you are not using the Internet
• Increased CPU or memory usage with no apparent cause
• Suspicious logins or account activity

What to do if you have been hacked?

If any of these symptoms are observed, you should take immediate action.

• Disconnect from the Internet This can prevent further data loss.
• Run a full antivirus scan. You may want to use a program like Malwarebytes that can run in safe mode or Norton Power Eraser that can operate outside of the normal Windows environment. Thia may help detect root kits or other hidden malware.
• Change your passwords, starting with our most sensitive accounts.
• Check for and remove any unfamiliar software.
• Make sure that our programs and operating system are updated.
• Notify the company that manages that account.
• Run the System File Checker and DISM to correct any files that may have be damaged or missing in the Windows operating system
• Restore from backup. If you have a clean backup, you might consider your system to a previous state.
• Monitor your financial accounts. Look for unusual activity in your bank statements and credit reports.

In some cases, you may need to seek professional help to clean up a serious intrusion.

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And remember — always back it up!