Feb 11, 2019 Apple has issued security updates for iPhone, iPad and Mac, without them your device could be at risk from hackers who could take control via malicious applications, over bluetooth, or even via FaceTime. Here’s some ways to tell if you are hacked. Temperature of the battery. Signs that you might know in the first place is that your speed will drastically drop if someone out there is using it fot watching films and downloading large games from Playstore of Steam. When you can’t enter to your own Wifi it means that your. Jun 28, 2019 If your PC or Mac has been hacked, you may notice that your computer or internet connection has slowed down dramatically. It’s important to note that this is most likely a sudden change – one day your computer will be fine, and the next day your computer’s fans will kick into overdrive during even the simplest tasks. Here Are Signs You Might Have Been Hacked. Hackers don't typically tell their victims that they've been hacked. Most of the time, when hackers gain entry to computers to do their dirty work, they don't want anyone to know. That way, they can come back another time to see what else they can do or find. If you think that your phone is your own private zone, you may be very wrong. So far, there is no such device that can't be hacked. To reduce the potential risks, Bright Side decided to figure out 3 things: the ways your phone can be hacked, how to recognize them, and how to protect your.
Signs your Apple ID has been compromised
Your Apple ID might be compromised if you receive an account notification from Apple for a change you didn't make, or if you notice account details or changes you don’t recognize. For example:
- You receive an email or notification that your Apple ID was used to sign in to a device you don't recognize or did not sign in to recently (for example, 'Your Apple ID was used to sign in to iCloud on a Windows PC').
- You receive a confirmation email from Apple that your Apple ID password was changed or your account information was updated, but you don’t remember making any changes.
- Your device was locked or placed in Lost Mode by someone other than you.
- You see messages you didn't send, or items you didn’t delete.
- You see charges or notices for purchases that you didn't make. Learn what to do if you see an unfamiliar iTunes Store or App Store charge on your credit or debit card statement.
- Your password no longer works, or it might have been changed or locked.
- You don't recognize some or all of your account details.
If you received an email, text message, or phone call that you're not sure is valid or you think might be phishing, here are some tips to help determine its legitimacy.
Gain control of your Apple ID
If you think your Apple ID is compromised, use these steps to gain control of it and review your account information:
- Sign in to your Apple ID account page. If you can't sign in or you receive a message that the account is locked when you try to sign in, try to reset or unlock your account.
- Change your Apple ID password and choose a strong password.
- Review all the personal and security information in your account. Update any information that isn't correct or that you don’t recognize, including:
- Your name.
- Your primary Apple ID email address.* If you need to change your email address, update the features and services that you use with Apple ID, so that each one is using your updated Apple ID.
- All alternate email addresses, rescue email addresses, and phone numbers.
- The devices that are associated with your Apple ID, if you've already set up two-factor authentication.
- Security questions and answers. If you think they might be easy to guess, you should change your security questions.
- Check with your email address* provider to make sure that you control every email address associated with your Apple ID. If you don't control the email addresses associated with the Apple ID, you should change the password for the email address or use a different email address.
- Set up two-factor authentication for your Apple ID. This additional security feature is designed to prevent anyone from accessing your account, even if they know your password.
* In China mainland and India, you can use your phone number as your Apple ID.
If you completed the steps above and think your account might still be compromised, contact Apple Support.
Know which Apple ID is signed in to your device
If you're signed in on your device with an Apple ID that you don't recognize, use these steps to sign out, then back in with a different Apple ID. To make sure that you're signed in to Apple IDs that only you control or trust, you can check the following settings on each of your devices:
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
- Settings > [your name]
- Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store
- Settings > Messages > Send & Receive
- Settings > FaceTime
Mac:
- System Preferences > Apple ID
- System Preferences > Internet Accounts
- Messages > Preferences > Accounts
- Facetime > Preferences > Settings
- Mail > Preferences > Accounts
- Calendar > Preferences > Accounts
You should also check iCloud for Windows, your AirPort Time Capsule or other AirPort Base Station, and your Apple TV (for iCloud Photos or Home Sharing).
Make sure your Apple ID is secure
Because you use your Apple ID for so many Apple products and services, you should make sure that your Apple ID is as secure as possible. You should be the only person who knows your password and can sign in with your Apple ID. If someone you don’t know or don’t trust can sign in with your Apple ID, your account is not secure.
Your Apple ID might not be secure for the following reasons:
- Someone else created an Apple ID on your behalf, or you’re using an Apple ID that was already signed in when you received your device.
- You’re sharing an Apple ID with family or friends. Your Apple ID is your personal account. If you want to share purchases with a family member, use Family Sharing. With Family Sharing, you can share a calendar, photos, reminders, and more without sharing your Apple ID.
- You don’t recognize the Apple ID that is signed in on your device.
- You shared your password with someone else intentionally or unintentionally. For example, someone else selected your password for you, you told someone your password, or you entered your password on a phishing site.
- You don't have control of the email address or phone number associated with your Apple ID.
- Your password is weak or is compromised.
- You share your devices with someone else, your devices are not protected by a passcode, or your passcode is easy to guess.
If any of the above are true, you should reset your password as soon as possible and review your account information.
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Computer viruses are an ongoing and evolving threat. Millions of computers in the U.S. are infected with malicious software – also known as malware – and new viruses surface regularly. And it’s possible for malicious software to infect your computer or device without you knowing.
But how can you tell if you’ve been a victim of a malware attack? There are several telltale signs your device may have a virus. We’ll share those red flags and outline steps you can take to get rid of the virus, and provide some tips to help protect your connected devices in the future.
How to tell if your computer has a virus
A computer virus is a type of malware that infiltrates a computer and its programs. It’s similar to the way the flu infects your body’s immune system and multiplies. Viruses can be installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent, and can insert new, malicious code that can monitor and manipulate your online activity.
Some malware may not seem serious, but they coud lead to more damaging problems. For example, criminals could use a virus to access to your personal information which could enable them to commit identity theft and other types of fraud.
You may be thinking you couldn’t possibly be affected. Or perhaps you’re wondering how bad a malware infection could be. The answer? Quite bad. For example, the MyDoom virus, discovered in 2004, is considered the most damaging virus ever released. Not only was MyDoom the fastest-spreading email-based worm, but it caused $38 billion in damage.
Ransomware is a another kind of virus that poses a threat. Ransomware entices its victims to click on a legitimate-looking link in an email that contains malicious code. The malware then prevents you from accessing your data by encrypting it. It holds that data hostage until you pay a ransom.
One example of ransomware was the destructive WannaCry virus of 2017, which targeted systems running Windows OS. Victims were asked to pay ransom in anonymous payment systems such as Bitcoin in order to retrieve their data. Keep in mind, even if you pay, you may not get your data back. That’s one reason why it’s recommended you shouldn’t pay the ransom.
Computer virus warning signs
Computer viruses are about as diverse as computer users. There could be thousands of new viruses and malware attacks each year and they can affect devices and operating systems in many different ways. But several virus warning signs tend to be similar across the board. Here’s how to tell if your computer may have been infected with a virus.
1: Major slow down of your computer’s performance
Are your files and apps taking a long time to load? Is your computer taking a longer time to start and runs slowly once it does? If so, it’s possible a virus is infiltrating your operating system.
2: Endless pop-ups and spam
Frequent and odd pop-up windows are a red flag. Pop-ups might prompt you to visit other websites to download antivirus or other software programs, which instead may install malware. Malicious pop-ups and spam could also secretly install spyware that could hijack your browser or steal your passwords and other personal information without your knowledge. When you finally catch on, it might be too late.
3: You’re locked out of certain settings, files, folders or your entire computer
If you’re unable to gain access to settings and files on your own computer — or you can’t log on or off — malware has likely taken over.
4: Changes to your homepage
Is your homepage randomly switching to another website? Are you unable to reset it? If so, you likely have a virus. Viruses can implement changes to your homepage and create error messages, browser errors and shortcut files.
5: Unknown programs start when you turn on your computer
Computer viruses can create widespread problems. Adding icons and toolbars that you didn’t set up is just the tip of the iceberg. If unknown programs load when you turn on your computer or other connected device, turn it right off again. You’ve been infiltrated.
There are different ways to find out what programs are running on your computer. On Windows machines, for instance, Task Manager is a utility included in Windows that shows you what programs are running on your computer. On a Mac you can find this in Activity Monitor.
Signs Your Mac Has Been Hacked
6: Mass emails sent from your email account
Have you ever received an odd email from a friend that made you suspect someone hacked into their email account? Or you see people on Facebook and other social media platforms tell everyone they’ve been hacked and not to accept friend requests? If your email’s ‘Sent Items’ folder contains messages you didn’t send, your social media accounts have posts you didn’t make, or you can’t log into your email or social media accounts, your email and other accounts most likely have been compromised.
7: Your security software has been disabled
If your antivirus program or security software has stopped working and you didn’t disable it, it’s possible that malware has taken over.
8: Your battery drains quickly
Here’s another sign that a virus may have infected your computer and is multiplying: a drained battery. As the virus continues to multiply, it uses resources from your computer and creates more activity on your computer. As a result, your battery life is diminished.
9: Frequent crashes
Does your computer randomly crash on you? Does your screen freeze and become the infamous “Blue Screen of Death”? This is a could be a sign that your device has been infected with a virus.
What to do if your computer has a virus
You can take several steps if you suspect your computer has been infected. To start, you could get rid of the virus manually yourself. You likely will need to do a web search and perform a long list of steps to find out what’s really going on. Unless you’re an expert, it can be complicated.
Signs Your Macbook Is Hacked
A simpler approach is to install an antivirus software program from a reliable company. You can let the professionals do it for you to ensure you’re not leaving your computer open to any vulnerabilities. An antivirus program, also known as security software, may also scan your external hard drive when it’s plugged in, but keep in mind not every program checks the hard disk.
But when you do this, be sure you aren’t buying a program in response to an unexpected call or message. This could be a trick to download more malware.
Instead, go to a secure website that you trust. For example, a reliable security software is Norton Security, which can remove many viruses and help protect your Windows PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices against future infiltrations. Norton recommends a three-step virus clean-up plan:
Step 1: Run a security scan
You can start by running a free Norton Security Scan to check for viruses and malware.
Signs Your Phone Is Hacked
Step 2: Remove existing viruses
You can then remove existing viruses and malware with Norton Power Eraser. It will perform a scan and give you onscreen instructions. If needed, you can call Norton for technical assistance. After following the instructions, restart your computer.
Step 3: Update security system
The most important thing you can do to help protect your devices against viruses and threats is to make sure your computer’s software is updated with the latest protections. When you’re notified of a Windows update or web browser update, for instance, it’s a good idea to install the latest version right away.
Then set your security software, web browser and operating system (such as Windows or Mac OS) to update automatically. This helps keep your operating system up-to-date and ready to detect and handle the latest viruses.
Once you’ve updated your software and secured your device with security software, there are simple and practical steps you can take to protect yourself, including these.
- Reset the passwords to all of your accounts — and make sure they’re strong by including upper and lowercase letters along with numbers and symbols. Each account should also have its own unique password. A password manager can help you track and manage multiple passwords.
- Use a pop-up blocker and be sure not to click on any unknown links or attachments.
- Only download from sites you trust. Never download free, software onto your computer, because it may be malware in disguise.
The bottom line? Don’t make it easy for cyberthieves to infiltrate your computer. Instead, keep an eye on your computer activity, be cautious about your own activity, and ensure you’ve updated your antivirus software and operating system with the latest protections.
It’s like wearing a mask or washing your hands during cold and flu season. Viruses may float around, but you’ll be helping to protect your system so they have a lesser chance of infecting you.
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Signs Your Computer Is Hacked
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Editorial note: Our articles provide educational information for you. NortonLifeLock offerings may not cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat we write about. Our goal is to increase awareness about cyber safety. Please review complete Terms during enrollment or setup. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, and that LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses.
Signs Mac Is Hacked
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