Researchers at IBM report that it takes an average firm 197 days to detect a data breach and even up to 69 days to restrain it. Even with all the excitement of online businesses, most admit that there’s a downside.
Cybersecurity threats have become the new norm for middle-sized businesses. These firms have become the key target. Therefore, you are most likely to have encountered a cyber attack once or twice.
Most people throw out the device or have it formatted. The earlier you can detect it, the sooner you can stop the malware from spreading.
This article will discuss nine signs that you are under a cyber attack.
1. Email Password Resets From Other Sites
Most hackers target small to medium businesses because they are lenient on their security measures. Besides, they are more likely to produce the ransomware asked in exchange for their data.
One of the first signs of a cyber security attack is a password reset. Your device will notify anyone who tries to change your password according to your email settings. Hackers apply social engineering tactics to retrieve your password through a phishing attack.
This implies that they will log in and reset your password. Wlan labs what is phishing guide will expound more on this topic. Report this issue as soon as you notice any logins from foreign IP addresses.
2. Receive Blackmail
After hackers retrieve valuable information from your accounts, they’ll extort money from you. You will receive emails stating that they have your information and will need money in exchange.
Most hackers will choose an online currency to avoid a paper trail. If you receive such cybersecurity threats, change your passwords immediately.
Besides, you can enable multi-authentication before performing a malware scan. So you will know how to go about your cyber attack prevention.
Avoid replying to the blackmailer and report spam. It’s wise to outsource IT professionals to help you retrieve your data.
3. Strange Posts on Your Account
Being a content creator is hard enough, but dealing with rival influencers is harder. Someone may hack into your account after working so hard to create a brand. Digital identity theft is common among influencers.
Posting content that doesn’t align with your brand is a tactic among hackers targeting influencers. Delaying to take action on this issue will only give hackers more time to post foreign content on your site.
This will put consumers off and turn to rival brands. For effective cyber attack prevention, notify the relevant parties in time.
It may take time, but the next move is to create another account with a similar name. Notify your consumers that you were a scam victim to help ease the transition into your new account.
4. Random Shutdowns
Lagged actions can be the norm, especially in older devices. However, when you experience it along with blinking, there is cause for worry.
Random shutdowns are a clear indicator that foreign software has made its way to your device. This happens when you download unpatched software. The trojan horse malware might be present but in the form of a friendly application.
Thus, it’s wise to perform a malware scan. This’ll inform IT specialists what they are working with.
5. Encrypted Server
If you are running a middle-sized business, the chances are that you rely on a network to keep systems on. Your business is sensitive to the smallest glitches in the program.
Thus, it will be easy for you to notice when the server has been encrypted. Hackers apply social engineering tactics to gain physical access to your network.
The best way forward is to disconnect other endpoints from the network. Leave the rest of the retrieval process to an IT professional.
6. Lack of Storage Space
Old devices might need you to clear some files every once. However, the rate at which malware fills up your space with junk files is high. If the space notification keeps popping up, it’s time to conduct a thorough malware scan.
Avoid deleting sensitive files to create space for more junk files. Instead, consult an IT professional to fish out the malware. Besides, it’s advisable to have a cloud backup from which you can retrieve your files at any time.
7. Excessive Popups
Another common indicator of a cyber attack is endless popups. You can trigger excessive ads by opening a malicious email. Any other rogue software will also have the same effect.
To curb the phishing attack, conduct a malware scan in time and then deal with the source itself. Clean the system before the damage gets any worse.
You could have also allowed an application to uninstall some add-ons. This may cause unwanted popups.
8. Account Deductions
This sign of a cyber attack is most evident when you have shared your financial details online. More so, be careful when using third-party payment options.
It’s not enough to change your account passwords in this case. You will have to report to relevant authorities if you notice any withdrawals you didn’t authorize. This action may come along with invoices of unverified orders.
9. Browser Redirects Sites
Cyber attacks through phishing can be why your browser keeps on redirecting to other sites. Don’t ignore this critical issue as it pops up where the firewall software protection is insufficient.
Check your links every once in a while to ensure that they work seamlessly. A good fraction of online consumers will lose interest when they can’t access your site via one link.
Report any suspicious activity in good time to curb the issue before you lose clients. Install better software protection to avoid such attacks in the future.
Signs You’re a Victim of a Cyber Attack
After noticing any of the signs above, it’s wise to change your passwords. Contact the relevant authorities and online platforms to help you deal with the cyber attack.
Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, but so are prevention tactics. For more insightful content on cybersecurity, check out some of our previous posts.
