Ever feel a pit in your stomach when you see a suspicious email, a sluggish computer, or a weird Facebook notification? You’re not alone! Many people jump to the conclusion they’ve been hacked, but in reality, it’s almost never the case. Let’s debunk the myths and separate the “hack” from the “harmless.” Shall we?
Maybe we can start by defining what hacking means. According to the computer security company Kaspersky: Hacking is the act of identifying and then exploiting weaknesses in a computer system or network, usually to gain unauthorized access to personal or organizational data. I like that definition. “Unauthorized” is the key word, I think.
Myth #1: Every Odd Email Means a Hacked Account
So if I see emails with strange subject lines, misspelled senders, and dubious attachments are those hacks? No, that’s regular spam and phishing spam. While these can be phishing attempts (a sneaky way to steal your information), they don’t necessarily mean your account has been hacked. Think of them as relentless telemarketers of the digital age – annoying, but not a sign of a break-in.
Myth #2: Slow Computer is a Hacker
Yes, a malware infection can definitely slow down your computer. However, a sluggish computer is usually the result of bad specs and bad software environment management or bad internet – not a hack. Before you panic about a hacker try using a local computer repair shop in Louisville, KY or wherever you are to help you evaluate the poor PC performance.
Myth #3: Facebook Friend Request From Someone Already on Your Friend List or a Random Person or my Friends Say I Have an Imposter Account Means I’m Hacked?
Even if someone has created a Facebook page with your stolen picture and sends out friend requests in your name. It’s not a hack. They’re attempting to scam your friends out of money.
So What Is The Real Chance I’ve Been Hacked?
Nearly zero.
Fighting Spam and Staying Secure
Don’t let spam emails or a slow computer or a phony duplicate Facebook account send you into a hacking frenzy. Most of these spam threats can simply be ignored and they will go away. But here are a few tips:
Be Spam Savvy: Identify spam emails and report to your email provider.
Strong Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for all your online accounts.
Regular Backups: Back up your important data regularly to an external hard drive.
When in Doubt, We’re Here to Help!
If you’re still concerned about a potential hack, and need Computer Hacking Help in Louisville, KY or simply want some peace of mind call our IT Security specialists at On-Site Louisville Computer Repair Co. — we are here for you! We offer diagnostic services to identify any security issues and can help you implement preventative measures and education to keep your computer and you safer. So, relax, breathe, and let us handle the tech troubles!
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