Most people like the idea of sitting in front of the computer to do their favorite activities, such as surfing the web or watching videos. However, the fact that there is no one by your side while you are using the computer does not mean that you are really alone. After all, there are hackers who are always looking for vulnerable places on third-party computers to steal your data. By clicking on different banners and websites, you could end up giving criminals access to your computer without even realizing it. A battery that never fully charges, a slow computer, unresponsive programs, or an unexplained changed home page can all be worrying signs that someone other than you is using your machine.
When showing signs that your computer may be the victim of spy programs, the awesome.club aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting against data theft on the web. In the bonus, you will find simple and efficient tips to avoid viruses and unwanted programs on your laptop or desktop.
1. Laptop drains too fast
If unwanted software is running in the background while the computer is on, it will use power taken from the central processor. Some programs of this type may be spyware or viruses. A battery that doesn’t last very long could be another sign that someone is encrypting with your processor, or that it is infected with certain malware, causing your computer to heat up or your laptop to drain much faster than normal.
2. Programs that crash frequently
Hackers are always developing new techniques to steal people’s data. They can insert code into a given program so that it collects the information the criminal needs. This can cause the affected software to run slower and crash frequently. To protect yourself, prefer not to have financial data such as credit card numbers stored on the machine, and always create complex passwords.
3. Computer is very slow
Your computer is brand new, but you suddenly notice that it doesn’t work as fast as it should, and that really is very suspicious. It could indicate the presence of malware such as a worm or Trojan horse. We are talking about programs that usually reach computers through downloads, usually disguised as trustworthy programs. They consume a lot of processor resources, slowing down the computer significantly.
4. The webcam starts recording without being activated
Noticing that your webcam has started recording or that your computer’s microphone is on without you ordering such actions should be cause for concern. And the thing is very serious, since there may be someone watching you not only in an attempt to steal your data, but also taking pictures of you and recording your voice. Ideally, always keep the camera covered with tape, turn on the microphone only when necessary, and change passwords regularly.
5. Unknown lights flashing on computer
Another sign you should watch out for: unknown sending and receiving of data on your computer. If someone else is controlling your machine, you may notice the information sending and receiving lights flashing even if your computer is not active. A spy virus or malware can download and upload data without you even realizing it.
6. Lots of pop-up windows appearing
Sometimes while surfing the web, you might accidentally click on certain suspicious banner. However, some of these advertisements lead to computer viruses that will cause new advertisements and pop-up windows to appear all the time on the screen. Not only is this annoying and difficult to navigate, it can also allow hackers to gain access to your personal information through your computer.
7. Browser home page suddenly changes
Another worrying sign has to do with the browser’s home page. If you open the program and notice that the page shown is different from the default one, stay alert. Also, it may happen that the browser opens and shows different pages than the ones you are trying to access. In such cases, it is very likely that the computer is infected with a type of spy software.
8. The browser is always redirecting
If you are doing a Google search and you are redirected to an unknown or suspicious page, know that this is troublesome. Your machine may have been infected by a Trojan virus. In that case, you need to check your browser extensions and delete those that you personally have not installed.
9. Find unknown programs installed on your computer
One of the most widely used strategies for spying on someone else’s computer is through malware. And you need to periodically check installed programs. In certain occasions, some unwanted program may come along when you install a bundled software. If you notice the presence of a program that you have never installed on your machine, uninstall it immediately.
10. Noticing suspicious browser activity
Checking your browser history is always a good idea in the name of security. If pages that you’ve never visited appear on the list, it’s good to be careful. Suspicious activity in the programs used to browse the internet could also indicate that someone is spying on you, perhaps trying to access your private data.
Bonus: How to Protect Your Computer from Spy Software
Have you ever come across any of the signs mentioned in this post on your computer? Are you in the habit of scanning your machine frequently in search of any unwanted software? How do you take care of your cyber security? Comment!
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