In today’s digital world, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks. Whether you run a small enterprise or a large corporation, understanding the signs that your network has been compromised is crucial to minimizing damage. At CyberPro, we help businesses understand cybersecurity threats and provide the tools and training to defend against them. Here are 5 signs that your network has been hacked, along with steps you can take to address the issue.

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1. Unusual Network Activity

Sign: One of the first signs that your network has been hacked is an unusual spike in network activity. You may notice that your systems are running slower than usual or that there is increased data traffic on your network even though no one is working on heavy tasks. Cybercriminals often create traffic spikes to cover up malicious activity, such as transferring sensitive data or running a malware infection.

What to Do:

• Monitor your network: Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) to keep track of network traffic patterns.
• Inspect network logs: Check for any suspicious or unauthorized connections to your network.
• Consult with cybersecurity experts at CyberPro to set up real-time monitoring and alerts for abnormal traffic.

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2. Unauthorized Account Access or Changes

Sign: If you notice unauthorized login attempts, new user accounts being created, or changes to existing accounts, it may indicate a network breach. Attackers often use stolen credentials to access and alter data or gain control of critical systems.

What to Do:

• Reset passwords immediately: Change passwords for any compromised accounts and enforce strong password policies.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security can prevent unauthorized access.
• Conduct an internal audit: Investigate who has access to what data and ensure only authorized personnel have elevated permissions.
• Reach out to CyberPro for further assistance on securing your accounts and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity best practices.

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3. Sudden System Crashes or Performance Issues

Sign: A sudden and unexplained slowdown in your system or random system crashes can indicate that malicious software is running in the background. This is often a result of malware, such as viruses, ransomware, or Trojans, that hackers use to disrupt operations.

What to Do:

• Run antivirus and anti-malware scans. Identify and remove any malicious software from your systems.
• Update all software: Ensure that all operating systems and applications are up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
• Consult CyberPro’s IT professionals to scan for hidden malware and assess system integrity.

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4. Strange Pop-ups or Alerts

Sign: If you begin receiving strange pop-ups, error messages, or alerts that are out of the ordinary, your network could be infected with malware. These pop-ups could be attempts to deceive you into downloading malicious software or lead to phishing websites.

What to Do:

• Disconnect from the network immediately: Disconnect compromised devices from the network to prevent further spread of malware.
• Run a full malware scan: Use reputable antivirus software to clean your systems.
• Secure your devices: Make sure all devices have up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware programs installed.

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5. Unexplained Data Transfers or Missing Files

Sign: If you notice that files are missing, data has been altered, or there is an unexplained transfer of sensitive information, your network may have been infiltrated by cybercriminals. Attackers often exfiltrate valuable data before attempting to lock you out of your systems.

What to Do:

• Check for unauthorized data transfers: Use data loss prevention (DLP) tools to monitor and log data movement across your network.
• Restore lost files from backups: Ensure you have a backup plan in place to recover lost or altered data.
• Contact CyberPro to set up regular backup protocols and monitor your systems for ongoing threats.

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What to Do After Identifying a Network Breach

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to act quickly to minimize damage and prevent further compromise. Here’s what you should do:

1. Disconnect compromised devices from the network to prevent further access and spread of the attack.
2. Conduct a full security audit to understand the extent of the breach and identify which systems have been affected.
3. Notify stakeholders about the breach, including employees, customers, and any third parties who may be impacted.
4. Review your security protocols and reinforce defenses to prevent future breaches.
5. Work with cybersecurity professionals like CyberPro to identify weaknesses in your network, patch vulnerabilities, and create a comprehensive recovery plan.

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Conclusion

Being aware of the signs of a compromised network and knowing how to respond is critical in today’s threat landscape. At CyberPro, we provide tailored cybersecurity training and solutions to help businesses protect their networks, identify potential threats, and respond effectively. If you suspect that your network has been hacked, don’t wait for the situation to escalate—contact CyberPro for expert assistance in securing your infrastructure and mitigating the risks of cyber attacks.

Reach out to CyberPro for cybersecurity training and solutions that will keep your business safe from emerging cyber threats.