Imagine this: you’re running your business as usual, but behind the scenes, a cybercriminal is quietly accessing your network, stealing sensitive data, or even holding your systems hostage.

Cyberattacks happen far more often than most businesses realize, and the longer they go unnoticed, the more damage they cause.

Warning Signs and Solutions

Here are five telltale signs your business might be hacked—and what you can do to protect yourself.

1. Your Network or Devices Are Slowing Down

If your systems feel like they’re moving at a snail’s pace without explanation, it could signal malware running in the background. Hackers often use your devices or network to send data or perform malicious activities, draining your resources.

What to Do: Investigate unusual slowdowns promptly. Tools like network monitoring software can help identify unauthorized activity.

2. Unusual Login Activity

Have you noticed logins from unfamiliar locations or at odd hours? Hackers often use stolen credentials to access systems. They might already have access if you’re not using multi-factor authentication (MFA).

What to Do: Enable MFA immediately and review your login history for unusual patterns. If suspicious activity is confirmed, reset all passwords.

3. Unexpected File Changes or Missing Data

If files are suddenly disappearing, encrypted, or altered without explanation, you may have fallen victim to ransomware or other malicious software.

What to Do: Disconnect affected systems from the internet, assess the damage, and restore files from secure backups.

4. Strange Pop-Ups or Ransom Messages

Random pop-ups or a screen demanding payment to regain access to your data are clear signs of a hack. Hackers might have deployed ransomware, locking your critical files until you pay.

What to Do: Don’t pay the ransom—it’s no guarantee your data will be restored.

Contact a cybersecurity expert immediately to assess and address the attack.

5. Customer Complaints or Blacklisting

Have customers complained about suspicious emails or fraudulent charges? Or has your company’s email domain been flagged as spam? These could be signs that an attacker is using your email or network to spread malware.

What to Do: Immediately address customer concerns and work with your IT team or a trusted partner to secure your systems.

Stay Protected with Atruent

At Atruent, we understand that no business is too small to be targeted by hackers. That’s why we provide tailored cybersecurity solutions to keep your network secure, your data protected, and your business running smoothly.

Don’t wait until you notice the signs of a hack—be proactive. Contact us today to learn how Atruent can safeguard your business and give you peace of mind.