There’s been so much about hacking in the news recently, you may be thinking that everyone is vulnerable to hackers. What does it really mean to be “hacked”? How will you even know if it has happened to you?

There’s some tell-tale signs that indicate that you could have been hacked. These may seem subtle to the average computer user. We’re here to warn you about them. Here’s some signs that you could have been hacked:

Your Friends Have Gotten E-mails From You That Weren’t Really From You

A classic sign that you may have been hacked is when friends are contacting you about weird e-mails they have received from your account. The e-mail may even say that it’s from you but it’s not your e-mail address listed in the sender column. In this case the problem could be your e-mail account and not your computer or network. You should run a virus scan just in case, and work with your e-mail provider to correct the problem.

You Are Receiving Fake Virus Scan Warnings In Your Browser

If you’re browsing the web and receiving some wacky virus scan pop-up messages, your computer system may have been compromised. Be sure that you know exactly what the virus scan program that you’re using looks like. You should take steps to address the security of your system if you begin to see these warning signs that you have been hacked.

You Notice Toolbar Extensions On Your Browser That You Didn’t Install

Your system may have been compromised if you notice strange toolbar extensions on your browser. This is a sign that a hacker has been snooping around in your system. The only exception is if an additional program was legally installed by an existing program on your system, and perhaps you didn’t notice. Do some investigating when you find strange browser extensions.

Your Passwords Have Changed Without Your Knowledge

This is usually accomplished by an e-mail phishing scam. Users inadvertently click a confirmation of their passwords being changed for logins, and voila, you have been hacked! You’ll need to contact the service that was hacked and add some additional security after you change your password.

If Your Hacking Case Is Serious, Seek Help

Network forensics can be a handy tool when your hacking case brings you to court. This IT tool can be used to obtain criminal evidence. This can be found everywhere from network file logs, to information on routers or other network devices. These information “packets,” as we call them, can be used to recreate transferred files, discover security threats, or even identify intruders. eInvestigations network forensics team can be used both for investigations within a company or for courtroom evidence. You can even combine evidence obtained through network forensics with evidence found through our other services. Contact us today for more information on our IT forensics services.