How Do You Know if Hackers Do Not Have Your Password?

How Do You Know if Hackers Do Not Have Your Password?

Cyberattacks and data breaches have become rampant in recent years, and hackers have turned their attention to small and medium-sized businesses, which are softer targets. But you may not always realize immediately that your data security has been compromised.

One prominent way to tell if your IT systems have been hacked is to check your passwords. You aren’t the only one privy to your login credentials. Your bank, government agencies, websites you have signed up for, and your favorite browser know your password but are not likely to compromise your data security.

Cybercriminals may also lay their hands on your passwords. You will know after they hack your systems or attempt to log in to your accounts and are stopped by your other layera of protection, such as multi-factor authentication. You can tell hackers don’t have your passwords by checking whether you have been hacked or not.

How to know you have been hacked:

• Ransomware messages: Hackers will get through to you once they get hold of your passwords, and will demand ransom by threatening to release your private information to the public through the dark web.
• Redirected Internet searches: If your internet searches redirect to phony websites, you know you have been hacked. Hackers are hoping to harvest more data from you through fake websites, which will ask for your credentials.
• Strange browser toolbars: Be on the lookout for strange toolbars on your browser. If they show up, someone is probably controlling your browser and is using it to gather your data. They could have deployed some tracking malware to your systems, which install toolbars that enable them to control your devices remotely.
• Passwords not working: If your passwords suddenly stop working and you can’t log into your accounts, hackers could have broken in and changed them. It won’t be long before you receive ransomware messages demanding payment before they can allow you back into your systems.
• Leaked confidential data: You will know hackers have your passwords if you find your confidential information in public spaces, such as the media. But before they release it, they often put it on sale on the dark web to make some money out of it. It’s a good idea to have your eye out on the dark web, so you can catch it before they sell it.
• Strange network patterns: If your network suddenly becomes crowded or too busy, then hackers could have breached it, and are using it to convey traffic to and from your IT systems. This would probably mean they already have your passwords. They may even disable your network or block it from you to accomplish their malicious objectives.
• Unknown transactions on your credit cards: If your credit cards or online accounts post unknown transactions, someone out there may have broken into your financial systems. Hackers will often make small transactions to be sure your accounts or credit card are active before making a huge transaction.
• Unexpected software installs: You will need to be keen to notice this unknown software on your system. Most of them will operate in the background, creating minute files, to evade notice. Your regular antivirus won’t be of much help when it comes to these unknown installations.

How Palindrome Consulting can Help

Most SMBs have challenges securing their IT systems since they may not have enough resources to establish a well-furnished and professional in-house team to fulfill effective cybersecurity measures. If you are looking to secure your systems against hackers, consider partnering with us. We have the experience, expertise, and infrastructure needed to secure your data, and ensure fast recovery in the event of a disaster.

Contact us today for more details.