5 Signs Your Business Has Already Been Hacked

Most cyberattacks go undetected for an average of 207 days. By the time a business realizes something is wrong, the damage is often already done — data stolen, systems compromised, reputation damaged. Here are five warning signs that your business may already be breached.

1. Your Computer Is Slower Than Usual

Sudden, unexplained slowdowns are one of the earliest signs of a breach. Malware and ransomware run silently in the background, consuming CPU and memory while they encrypt files, exfiltrate data, or communicate with attackers' servers.

2. You're Seeing Unexpected Account Activity

Password reset emails you didn't request, login alerts from unknown locations, or accounts you can't access are all red flags. Attackers often compromise email accounts first because they contain a goldmine of business information and can be used to reset other passwords.

• Check your email's sent folder for messages you didn't send
• Review login history in Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
• Look for new forwarding rules in your email settings
• Check for new admin accounts you didn't create

3. Antivirus Has Been Disabled

One of the first things sophisticated malware does is disable your security software. If your antivirus is turned off and you didn't do it — or if it won't turn back on — treat this as a critical emergency. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Call your IT provider immediately.

4. Files Have Been Renamed or You Can't Open Them

This is the most obvious sign of ransomware. If your files suddenly have strange extensions (.locked, .encrypted, .crypt) or you see a ransom note on your screen, your systems have been compromised. Do not pay the ransom — it does not guarantee you'll get your files back, and it funds criminal organizations.

5. Your Internet Is Unusually Slow

Malware often communicates with external servers (called command-and-control servers) and may be exfiltrating your data. This uses bandwidth and can slow your internet connection noticeably. If your connection is slow and there's no obvious explanation, have your network traffic analyzed.

What To Do If You Suspect a Breach

1. Don't panic — but act quickly
2. Disconnect affected devices from the network (unplug ethernet, disable WiFi)
3. Don't turn off affected computers — this preserves evidence
4. Call your IT provider immediately
5. Document everything — screenshots, times, what you noticed
6. Don't pay any ransom without consulting a professional

The best defense against a breach is prevention — proactive monitoring, endpoint protection, and employee training. At Able Computer Solutions, we monitor your systems 24/7 and detect threats before they become disasters.