Warning Signs You’re Target of a Cyberattack

To help your business stay safe online, Syn-Star has listed the most obvious signs of a potential cyberattack.

signs of cyberattack

The frequency with which cyber criminals target organisations to compromise their data has reached a new high in 2024. Phishing attacks, ransomware and data breaches are constantly on the news, so it is crucial that businesses can identify early signs of cyberattacks.

The King’s Speech calls for the strengthening of security measures for all organisations. The speech acknowledges the vulnerability of essential services and the potential severity of cyberattack impacts. A need is set out to “take swift action to address vulnerabilities and protect our digital economy to deliver growth”.

10 Signs You're the Target of a Cyberattack

  1. Slow Systems

If your systems suddenly become sluggish for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of a malware infection. Malware can drain your system’s memory leaving limited resources for legitimate programs to use. As the malware spreads across your system, it corrupts data and programs, creates conflicts, or tries to take over your entire system.

Warning signs:

  • Unusually long response time when accessing files or running applications
  • Computer overheating
  • Longer than normal boot times or shutdown delays
  1. Suspicious User Activity

Organisations should be keeping track of access logs to record which users are logging in and from where. Login attempts from unknown locations, perhaps at odd hours could indicate an unauthorised user trying to access your network.

Watch out for:

  • Repeated login attempts from unknown or foreign IP addresses
  • Log in attempts at unusual times
  • Logins from places your employees don’t live or work

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorised access.

  1. Frequent Pop-Ups or Redirected Internet Searches

Pop-ups or being redirected to strange websites could signal that adware or other malicious software has infected your systems. While some users might dismiss these as minor annoyances, they can indicate a bigger issue, such as malware attempting to generate profit by directing users to malicious sites or spreading ransomware.

Watch out for:

  • Ads appearing on websites where there shouldn’t be any
  • Browser settings changing without user consent
  • Redirects when you try to visit legitimate websites
  1. Increased Phishing Attempts

A sudden rise in phishing attacks or scam calls targeting your employees could mean your business has been identified as a valuable target. Phishing emails are often the first stage of more sophisticated cyberattacks, as attackers attempt to harvest login credentials. Bear in mind that valuable doesn’t necessarily mean that your organisation has a million-pound revenue.

Watch out for:

  • Emails from addresses that look legitimate but are misspelt
  • Urgent messages prompting you take immediate action, like resetting a password or making a payment
  • Emails include suspicious attachments or links

Training employees to recognise phishing emails is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorised access.

  1. Unfamiliar Programs or Files

Unknown software or files appear on your network. Cyber criminals may install backdoors, keyloggers, or remote-access tools to maintain control over your systems, allowing them to monitor your activities or access data.

Watch out for:

  • Programs launching on startup that you didn’t install
  • New files, especially with unusual extensions (.exe, .bat, etc.)
  • Your antivirus software flagging new programs as potential threats

It is good practice to regularly audit your systems for unfamiliar software and files and review any suspicious installations with your IT team.

 

  1. Ransom Messages or Encryption Locks

This is the most obvious sign that your systems have been compromised: you’re greeted with a message demanding a ransom in exchange for access to your own data. If your files have been encrypted and are no longer accessible, you’ve likely fallen victim to a ransomware attack.

Signs of a ransomware attack:

  • A ransom note displayed on your screen, usually demanding payment in cryptocurrency e.g., Bitcoin
  • Your files have been encrypted and you are unable to open those with strange extensions you can’t open
  • Loss of access to critical files and systems

In case of a ransomware attack contact your cybersecurity team and, if possible, restore data from recent backups. It is not recommended to pay the ransom, as this doesn’t guarantee that your data will be restored and may encourage future attacks.

  1. Sudden Increase in Network Traffic

If your network experiences an unusual and unexpected rise in traffic, you could be dealing with a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack or data exfiltration. During a DDoS attack, a hacker floods your systems with traffic, causing servers to slow down or crash, disrupting your business. Unexpected increase in traffic could mean that a hacker is stealing data from your network.

Watch out for:

  • Unexplained bandwidth usage 
  • Large outgoing data transfers when none were scheduled
  1. Locked or Disabled User Accounts

If employees are unable to log into their accounts, your business could be undergoing a brute-force attack or account hijacking.

  1. Antivirus or Security Tools Disabled

Any unauthorised changes to your security tools will mean that there is something sinister is going on. The most sophisticated malware can disable your antivirus software to prevent detection. If you are having difficulties with your security programs, it is best to isolate the affected system while the root of the problem is being investigated.

  1. Unexplained Financial Transactions

The most damaging sign of a cyberattack is unauthorised financial transactions taking place. Whether it is through stolen credentials, fraudulent invoices, or hacking into your payment systems, cybercriminals may target your business to steal money directly.

Watch out for:

  • Unfamiliar payments or transfers from your business accounts
  • Unusual changes in payroll, invoicing, or supplier transactions
  • Suspicious requests for payment or billing adjustments from third parties

In the event of unauthorised transactions, immediately get in touch with your financial institution and stop any further transfers.

Have You Noticed any of these Warning Signs?

If you recognise any of these warning signs, your business may have been targeted by a cyberattack. Here is what you should do immediately:

    1. Isolate the affected systems
    2. Have cybersecurity experts investigate immediately
    3. Notify employees, customers, and business partners
    4. Restore data using your backups
    5. Identify weak links in your security measures and strengthen your security defences to combat future attacks

To ensure that your business is as safe as can be from cyberattacks click the button below to book your FREE drak web scan.

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Agnes Syn-Star Content writer

Agnes Molnar

Agnes is Syn-Star’s expert content writer, she has  Master’s degree in English Literature that provides a strong foundation in writing and critical thinking of everything she does.

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