How do you know if your computer got hacked?

Question

My sister suspects that hers got hacked, but we're not sure.

Answer 1

What makes her think this? It's difficult to diagnose without symptoms.

When you say computer - what do you refer to?
- General operations
- Slow internet
- Popups
- Malicious coding in MySpace/Facebook etc.

MG

Answer 2

The simplest thing to do is install both an antivirus program and an anti spyware program. After installing the programs, run a scan on the computer. If any suspicious files are found be sure to quarantine them. There are plenty of free security software available so you don't need to spend any cash. You can find free programs at www.filehippo.com

The site has several free programs. Be sure to check out their antivirus and anti spyware sections. I recommend Antivir, Avast or AVG antivirus - you should only install one antivirus program. As for anti spyware, I recommend you try Spybot Search & Destroy and Lavasoft's Ad Aware. Unlike antivirus programs, you can install more than one anti spyware program.

Answer 3

You should have explained what devious symptoms your PC is having..It could be anything from harmless popups to a virus and virus act in many different ways..

Answer 4

Nobody would hack your computer. Hackers are out there to get money or access something of value. They would not target your sister. Unless she has valuable data that they could use.

So I doubt very much you got hacked.

Spyware / Virus much more likely

Answer 5

if yur settings go wrong or if u get a virus or if you lose info i they are all problems that can be the result of a hacker