Over 85 Million Records Hacked – Are You One of Them?

According to Credit Union Times, 2015 is on track to break records for hacking. As of 2014, over 85 million records had been hacked – and that number continues to rise.
No one is immune to hacking – from the U.S. government failing to notify 21.5 million people they’ve been hacked,  to hospitals like Partners Healthcare employees clicking on phishing emails and compromising 3,000 accounts.
So what are the signs you’ve been hacked?
• Standard programs and files won’t open.
• Files mysteriously disappearing or ending up in the wrong folders.
• File content changes that you didn’t make.
• Your printer acting funky.
• Internet searches are redirecting you.
• Your passwords won’t work.
• An extra screen browser appears.
• Fake virus messages.
• Your virus software appears disconnected.
• Money missing from your bank account.
I’ve Been Hacked – Now What?
• Disconnect from the internet IMMEDIATELY.
• Run a virus scan on your computer.
• Alert your bank and credit card companies of a possible compromise.
• Tell your friends you email account may have been hacked.
There are some detailed tips HERE on what to do next. The biggest task is protecting sensitive files by having them stored securely in another location, an external hard-drive or with a company that specializes in protecting sensitive documents like SecurShred.
With hacking incidents rising, it’s not necessarily a question of IF you’ll be hacked, but WHEN. Taking the right steps and knowing what to look for can ensure you keep your valuable files safe.