Has Your Computer Been Hacked? A Simple Checklist

Finding out your computer might be hacked is scary. Maybe you're seeing strange pop-ups, your friends say you're sending weird emails, or your bank just called about suspicious charges. You're not imagining things, and you're definitely not alone.

Here in Connecticut, identity theft has been on the rise, with scammers specifically targeting elderly residents through fake tech support calls and email scams. The Connecticut Attorney General's office reports that seniors in Litchfield County and across western Connecticut are particularly vulnerable to these attacks. But the good news? There are clear warning signs you can check yourself, and steps you can take right now to protect your information.

This guide will walk you through a simple checklist to figure out if you've actually been hacked, and what to do about it.

Warning Signs Your Computer Has Been Hacked

Before we jump into fixes, let's identify what's actually happening. Here are the most common signs of a compromised computer:

1. Check Your Email Sent Folder
   Open your email and look at your "Sent" folder. Do you see messages you didn't write? This is often the first sign hackers have access to your account. Why this matters: Hackers use your email to spread viruses to your contacts or reset passwords on your other accounts.

2. Look at Your Browser Homepage
   Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox). Has your homepage changed to something you don't recognize? Is there a new toolbar at the top you didn't install? These changes usually mean malware installed itself. This works because legitimate programs won't change your settings without asking first.

3. Check Your Computer Speed
   Is your computer suddenly running much slower than usual? Does it take forever to start up? Malware runs in the background and uses up your computer's power. A computer that took 2 minutes to start up shouldn't suddenly take 10 minutes. This simple check catches problems about 70% of the time.

4. Watch for Unexpected Pop-Ups
   Are you getting pop-up windows even when you're not browsing the internet? Especially pop-ups claiming you have viruses or need to call a phone number? Real antivirus software doesn't work this way. Close these immediately without clicking anything.

5. Check Your Bank and Credit Card Statements
   Look through your recent transactions. See any charges you don't recognize, even small ones? Hackers often test with small purchases first. Contact your bank immediately if you find anything suspicious. Early detection can prevent thousands in losses.

6. Review Your Computer's Programs List
   On Windows, go to Control Panel, then "Programs and Features." Look through the list for anything you don't remember installing, especially programs with strange names or anything installed recently that you didn't add yourself. Write down anything suspicious.

7. Run Your Antivirus Software
   If you have antivirus installed (Norton, McAfee, Windows Defender), open it and run a full scan. This takes 30-60 minutes but checks your entire computer. If it finds threats, let it remove them. However, be honest: This catches known viruses but misses about 40% of new threats.

What To Do Right Now

If you found warning signs from the checklist above, take these immediate steps:

• Change your passwords - Start with email, then banking. Use a different device if possible (your phone or a friend's computer).
• Disconnect from the internet - Unplug your network cable or turn off your WiFi. This stops hackers from accessing your computer right now.
• Don't pay any pop-up demands - If you see ransomware asking for money, don't pay. These scammers rarely unlock your files even after payment.
• Alert your bank - Call them directly using the number on your card, not any number from an email or pop-up.

Still Not Working?

Some hacking problems go deeper than DIY fixes can handle. You might need professional help if:

• Your antivirus software won't open or says it's been disabled
• You can't access your files and see a ransom message
• Your computer keeps redirecting you to strange websites no matter what you do
• You've tried these steps but the problems keep coming back

Advanced malware can hide in places that are difficult to find without professional tools. Some variants reinstall themselves even after you think they're gone. Root-level infections require specialized removal techniques that go beyond standard antivirus scans.

STILL HAVING PROBLEMS?

Don't waste more time troubleshooting. Call Chapin Business Services at (203) 262-1869.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a hacker access my computer when it's turned off?

No. When your computer is completely shut down (not sleep mode), hackers can't access it remotely. However, they might have already stolen information before you turned it off. This is why changing passwords from a different device is important.

Should I pay for antivirus software or is the free Windows Defender enough?

Windows Defender is decent for basic protection and works fine for careful users. Paid options like Norton or McAfee offer extra features like password managers and identity theft protection. Either way, keeping it updated matters more than which one you choose.

How do hackers get into computers in the first place?

Most hacks happen through email attachments, fake software updates, or clicking links in text messages. Hackers also use phone calls pretending to be from Microsoft or your bank. Remember: Real tech companies never call you unsolicited asking for remote access to your computer.

Will resetting my computer to factory settings remove hackers?

Usually yes, a complete factory reset removes most malware. However, you'll lose all your files, photos, and programs. Back up important files to an external drive first (though avoid backing up program files, which might contain the infection). This should be a last resort after trying other options.