---
title: 5 Symptoms of a Compromised Computer
description: Sometimes taking every precaution is still not enough for enterprise IT Security.  Know how to detect symptoms of a compromised computer before its too late!
image: https://blog.lantium.com/hubfs/5%20Comp%20CPU_Image.jpg
---

[![Lantium](https://blog.lantium.com/hubfs/Lantium_Aug2016/image/lantium-logo.png)](http://www.lantium.com/)

- [SERVICES](http://www.lantium.com/services.html)
- [COMPANY](http://www.lantium.com/company.html)
- [INDUSTRY](http://www.lantium.com/industry.html)
- [CONTACT](http://www.lantium.com/contact.html)
- [TECH TALK](https://blog.lantium.com)

[1-877-LANTIUM](tel:18775268486)

[SUPPORT TICKETS](http://support.lantium.com) 1-877-LANTIUM

- [SERVICES](http://www.lantium.com/services.html)
- [COMPANY](http://www.lantium.com/company.html)
- [INDUSTRY](http://www.lantium.com/industry.html)
- [CONTACT](http://www.lantium.com/contact.html)
- [TECH TALK](https://blog.lantium.com)
- [SUPPORT TICKETS](http://support.lantium.com/)

# Tech Talk

# 5 Symptoms of a Compromised Computer

Posted by [Paul Ferdas](https://blog.lantium.com/author/paul-ferdas) on Feb 23, 2017, 3:15:00 PM

![](https://blog.lantium.com/hubfs/Ferdas_Small%20Headshot.jpg)

Find me on:

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ferdas-8a0a1911)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![Help Ransomware](https://blog.lantium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5%20Comp%20CPU_Image.jpg?width=295&name=5%20Comp%20CPU_Image.jpg "Help Ransomware")](http://www.lantium.com/)

 We all like to think that the Internet is a safe place. Unfortunately email, social media, malicious websites, [ransomware](https://blog.lantium.com/seven-things-to-protect-your-business-from-ransomware) and advertisement pop-ups can all pose a threat. Having an antivirus program installed on your computer will help catch and get rid of harmful malware, but it might not catch everything — especially if not installed properly or updated with the latest definitions.

Sometimes even taking every precaution is not enough for [IT security](http://www.lantium.com/services-security.html), which is why knowing what to look for and how to detect the symptoms of a compromised computer is important to ensure your safety. Below are five (5) signs that may mean your computer could be infected and your data and network is at risk:

**1. Homepage & Search Engine Hijacking**  
Does your homepage automatically redirect to unusual websites? Has your default search engine changed to something you’ve never heard of or recognize?

**2. Site Redirection (Without Warning)**  
Similar to hijacking. If you are taken to another, likely malicious website when typing in or clicking something different (and you’ve never been there before).

**3. Pop-ups & Crashes**  
Not always related to a malware infection, but an increase of pop-up messages, as well as unexplained crashes/shutdowns — combined with other symptoms.

**4. Unfamiliar Programs & Toolbars**  
Your browser is full of search boxes and buttons. If a new, unfamiliar one shows up unannounced in your toolbar, you could be infected.

**5. Slow CPU & Difficulty Loading Pages**  
If your computer is consistently running slow, whether you’re online or not, and not related to internet connectivity issues. Also, If your browser continues telling you that pages can’t be loaded even though your internet connection is fine.

  
**What to Do if You’re Infected:**  
Panic and worry can be overwhelming once you realize that your computer may have been compromised. However, it’s not over for your computer and all of your files. If you believe you have been infected by a virus, trojan, worm, ransomware, or cryptolocker, there is still a chance  to restore your computer to the state it was prior to infection, quickly, and without further damage or loss of productivity.

If you believe your computer may be infected, or if your organization has had [IT security](http://www.lantium.com/services-security.html) and performance issues in the past, Lantium can help!  Our [Critical Care support team](http://www.lantium.com/services-managed-services.html) is available for our clients [24x7x365](http://www.lantium.com/contact.html).

**Interested in learning more about security audits, proactive monitoring, data backup, or how to make your business and its data more secure? Schedule a free call with our experienced security consultants today: **  
  
***[![Schedule a Free Consultation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2447755/a475afb2-f3ee-4768-b6cf-18e79256f5b4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2447755/a475afb2-f3ee-4768-b6cf-18e79256f5b4)***

 Topics: [IT Security](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/it-security)

# About Lantium

Lantium solves business challenges by delivering customized IT solutions that fit your organization. Dedicated to providing high-quality, cost effective services, we streamline technology to align your IT and business goals with unmatched personalization and responsiveness.

[![Schedule A Free Consultation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2447755/5a31d8f0-034a-4ff7-b17b-d1758bac6bac.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2447755/5a31d8f0-034a-4ff7-b17b-d1758bac6bac)

 

### Subscribe to Email Updates

### Recent Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [Insider (28)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/insider)
- [IT Security (11)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/it-security)
- [Awards (10)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/awards)
- [Procurement (6)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/procurement)
- [Taxes (5)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/taxes)
- [Backup (1)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/backup)
- [Data Recovery (1)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/data-recovery)
- [Disaster Recovery (1)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/disaster-recovery)
- [How to IT (1)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/how-to-it)
- [Microsoft End of Life (1)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/microsoft-end-of-life)
- [Mobile Devices (1)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/mobile-devices)
- [Ransomware (1)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/ransomware)
- [Server 2008 (1)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/server-2008)
- [Windows 7 (1)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/windows-7)
- [laptops (1)](https://blog.lantium.com/topic/laptops)

see all

### Follow Me

<https://www.facebook.com/127551863934256><https://plus.google.com/105047356946439173923><https://www.linkedin.com/company/851601><https://twitter.com/Lantium>

© Copyright 2021 Lantium, Inc.