A lot of people think they’d know if they were hacked. It’s not uncommon for people to believe they were hacked simply because their computer seems to be running slowly or something feels out of the ordinary. The truth, though, is that usually when you’re hacked, there’s no obvious sign. Hackers work hard to ensure their victims are unaware of what has happened until it’s too late, if ever.

Time Is Important

With your server compromised, the party responsible could do just about anything.

This is why it’s so vital that your company has a policy in place regarding new programs being installed. It should cover not just which programs can be installed, but how it will be done. One reason for this is that hackers who get through your server’s safeguards will most likely begin installing software on your computers. With installation complete, the hacker can then use that software to cause all kinds of problems.

Strange Requests?

Along similar lines, users may all of a sudden start receiving requests from strange programs asking for permission to access your network. This means that your server has been hacked.

You may also find that important programs have been uninstalled. Even your company’s own firewall can be uninstalled by a hacker with enough skill. If you ever notice something like this, whether a hacker is behind it or not, you need to take action ASAP.

Although we covered that hackers like to keep their work a secret, sometimes their goals keep this from occurring. For example, sometimes they want to use computers on your network to send spam emails. Obviously, this will eventually get back to you.

Look at Network Activity

Another sign that should set off alarm bells is a marked increase in network activity. As a result, normal functions that need an Internet connection may slow down significantly.

Any time a hacker strikes, it should be a reason for concern. However, if they’re able to get past your server’s security, there’s no telling what kinds of problems they could cause.  (Might be time to consider a Managed Firewall).

ServerPronto offers the best affordable and secure hosting service in all dedicated server packages.

 

Sources:

How do you know your server has been compromised?

7 Warning Signs Your Network Has Been Hacked!

 

Photo cred: Flickr / Davide Restivo

1 Comment

  1. What if the only two illusions of choices for interenet providers A R E now employing the
    embedded hackers?

    Now what recourse is there? Also, why is it so difficult to find out how to start a new
    community-based interenet (despite the myriad of “laws” the capitalizing ones have created
    to control us)?