When you discover your computer or network might be compromised, the initial instinct might be to panic. Yet, how you respond can turn a potential breach from a minor inconvenience into a devastating disaster that could lead to significant legal and financial repercussions.
Today, we delve into the expertise of our cybersecurity professionals to identify the signs of a compromised system and outline the essential steps you must take immediately to limit any lasting damage.
Indicators of a Compromised System
According to the latest cybersecurity insights from IBM, it takes an average of 277 days for a data breach to be detected and reported. Considering that malware, viruses, and keylogging tools can wreak havoc quickly, this delay is alarming. Often, the signs are overlooked, and users don't realize they're under attack until significant damage has been done.
Key signs that your system may be compromised include:
- Degraded performance of computers or networks
- Frequent system freezes or crashes
- Unexpected pop-up ads
- Locked user accounts
- Unanticipated changes in file configurations
- Devices operating irregularly, such as running post-shutdown
- Strange activity on user accounts