Top signs that someone is stealing data from your computer as well as some tips for how to avoid viruses.

 

Battery Drain

If your device is unknowingly running malicious software in the background, this will use your central processing power. This software may be spyware or viruses. If your battery life seems to be much shorter, it often is a sign that your device is infected with malware or that someone is crypto mining with your processor. In addition to your laptop discharging much faster than normal, it may also feel hot to touch.

Program Crashes

Hackers sometimes try to collect data by placing code into your apps so that it can steal your personal information. This malicious code can cause your apps to act up, run slower, and frequently crash. The best way to protect yourself is to try not to put your financial data, like credit cards, into apps and if you do have to, be sure to use a strong password and two-factor authentication.

Hackers are always looking for new ways to collect your data. They can put code into your apps to make them collect all the needed information. This can make an app run slower, act up, and crash a lot. To protect yourself, try not to put your financial data like your credit card numbers or codes into apps, and always create a complicated password.

If you have a new computer and it is suddenly running very slow, it may be infected with malware software like a worm or Trojan horse. Often this software is disguised as a legitimate download but once installed will consume a lot of your processor’s resources, causing your device to run much slower.

WebCam Recording

If your webcam suddenly starts recording, or the microphone turns on by itself, someone could be spying on you. In addition to stealing your data, they could be recording your voice and taking photos. It is recommended to frequently change passwords, cover your camera with tape and turn off your microphone when not in use.

Blinking Lights

If someone has taken control of your computer, the send and receive lights may be blinking when you are not using it. Spy malware and other viruses can cause data to be uploaded and downloaded in the background, without you even realizing it.

Frequent Pop-Ups

When surfing online, you may have accidentally clicked on a suspicious banner ad. These can inject your laptop with an advertising virus that sends constant pop up ads to your screen. While it is annoying, more concerning is that the virus can allow hackers to access your data.

Browser Redirect

When searching on Yahoo or Google, if you are being redirected to a suspicious website instead of being served search results, this is a sign of being hacked. A Trojan virus may be installed on your device. To verify, you can check the extensions of your browser to search for anything suspicious.