One of the most obvious signs that your laptop has been hacked is when it starts to run slow. As more programs and files are added to the system, your laptop will take longer to load. But when it starts to run drastically slower, this could be a sign that your laptop has been hacked. Another sign is if your laptop freezes or crashes all the time.
Pop-ups on random websites are another telltale sign that your computer has been hacked. While most legitimate websites will not pop-up advertisements, some websites will bypass ad-blockers. It’s important to always verify that these pop-ups are legitimate before you click on them.
Malware is a form of malicious software that has access to your computer. It’s designed to do a specific task, such as spy on your habits or collect data for the hacker. Another type of malware is ransomware, which encrypts your files and demands a ransom for their decryption. Often, the ransom demand will be made in cryptocurrency.
If you suspect that your laptop has been hacked, the first step is to uninstall any malicious software. Oftentimes, the hacker will install a number of programs on your computer, which can make it difficult to uninstall them. Then, you should back up your files and run an online scan of your computer.