How to Detect If You Have Been a Victim of Phishing or Malware
Signs, tools and ways to respond to protect yourself
Table of Contents
- 1. What is Phishing and Malware?
- 2. Signs That You've Been a Victim of Phishing
- 3. Signs That Your Computer Has Malware
- 4. How to Check If Something Is Going Wrong
- 5. Useful Tools for Control and Protection
- 6. What to Do Immediately If You Suspect Something
- 7. How to Protect Yourself in the Future
- 8. Conclusion
1. What is Phishing and Malware?
Before we learn how to identify if we have been a victim, let's see in simple terms what these terms mean and how they can affect us.
Phishing occurs when someone tries to trick you by sending you a fake message that looks real — for example, from your bank, a service like Facebook or your e-mail. Its purpose is to convince you to reveal your passwords, card details or other personal information.
Malware is unwanted software that gets installed on your computer or phone without your knowledge. It can steal your files, track your movements, lock your device or make it very slow. In some cases, it can even open “back doors” for other hackers to get into your system.
2. Signs That You've Been a Victim of Phishing
How can you tell if someone has gotten your information through a fake message or page? Check out the most common signs:
Connections appear from unknown locations or devices you've never used. For example, you receive a message from gmail that a connection was made from another country, such as Russia or China.
You try to log into your email, Facebook, or bank account and a message appears saying that the password is incorrect, even though you're sure it's correct. This means that someone may have changed your password.
Your friends or contacts tell you they received strange messages, files, or links from you — without you sending them. This is usually an attempt to spread the same phishing.
Charges appear on your bank account or card for products or services you did not purchase.
You remember clicking on a link in an email or text message that said “your account will be deactivated” or “you won a prize,” and entering your details there. This is a classic example of phishing.
If you notice even one of these signs, take action immediately! Change all your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and inform the bank or service concerned.
3. Signs That Your Computer Has Malware
Malware is usually not immediately visible, but it leaves traces that you can spot if you're careful:
🐌 Computer became very slow
Your computer is taking too long to open programs, load pages, or perform simple tasks. This often indicates that something is running in the background without you knowing.
📢 Pop-ups and ads from nowhere
They constantly open ads or new windows in your browser, without you doing anything. Sometimes they display fake notifications that say “your computer has a virus” to trick you into downloading more malware.
🔥 Computer is overheating
You hear the fan running constantly or your device is overheating for no reason, which means a suspicious program may be using your computer's resources.
📁 Files disappear or change
Some files won't open, have been renamed, or appear “hidden.” If this happens suddenly, there's a chance you've been infected with malware.
🔒 Message that your files are "locked"
If you see a message telling you that your files are locked and you need to pay to get them back, then you have fallen victim to a ransomware attack. Under no circumstances should you pay; seek help from a specialist.
🌐 Your browser is behaving strangely
Your homepage has changed without your permission, unknown toolbars appear or you are redirected to other websites every time you search.
🛑 Your protection program is not working
Your antivirus program stops working, doesn't open, or turns off on its own. This is a sign that it is infected as well.
Some of these signs could be due to simpler problems, such as a full disk or outdated software. However, if they appear suddenly and in combination, it's a good idea to run a full scan with a reliable security program.
4. How to Check If Something Is Going Wrong
If you suspect something is wrong with your computer or accounts, there are some simple and practical steps you can take to make sure:
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Check your account activity
Go into the security settings of your accounts (like Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and see where and when connections were made. Most platforms show the last connections, the device, and the country. If you see anything unfamiliar, log out of all devices and change your password immediately.
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See what programs are running on your computer
In Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the “Task Manager”. This will show you all the programs that are running. If you see something you don’t recognize or that is using a lot of resources (memory or processor), it might be suspicious. You can do a quick search online with the name of the program to see if it is legitimate.
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Check the installed programs
Go to Control Panel (Control Panel) → “Programs and Features” and look at the list of installed programs. If you see one that you don’t remember installing or has a strange name, it might be a problem. Uninstall it, but make sure to check what it is first.
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Look for suspicious extensions in your browser
Open your browser (Chrome, firefox, Edge etc.) and go to “Extensions” or “Add-ons”. If you see one that you don’t remember installing, disable it or remove it immediately. Some extensions change your home page or display unwanted ads.
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Check your bank account.
get in the e-banking and view your transaction history. If you notice purchases or charges that you did not make, notify your bank immediately so they can block the card or cancel the suspicious transactions. Even small amounts can mean someone is trying your card.
5. Useful Tools for Control and Protection
There are several reliable and free tools you can use to check if your computer is infected or to improve your online security:
If you have Windows 10 or 11, you already have a basic protection mechanism installed. Go to Settings → “Windows Security” and run a full scan. Update your system regularly to have the latest security patches.
One of the most well-known programs for detecting and removing malware. You can download it for free, run a quick or full scan, and clean any threats it detects.
A free online service where you can upload a file or enter a link (URL). VirusTotal checks it with dozens of antivirus programs and shows you whether it is safe or not. Ideal if you want to check a file before opening it.
An easy way to find out if your email has been involved in a data breach. You enter the haveibeenpwned.com, enter your email and see if your accounts have been compromised. If so, change your passwords immediately.
If you are using a Google account, go to myaccount.google.com/securityThere you can see warnings, suspicious connections, and check the overall security of your account.
6. What to Do Immediately If You Suspect Something
If you think you have been the victim of an attack, Don't panic! There are specific steps you can take to limit the damage and protect yourself.
In case of Phishing:
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Change your passwords IMMEDIATELY
Change the passwords on all accounts that may have been compromised. Start with the most important ones, like your email and bank. Create strong, different passwords for each service, using letters, numbers, and symbols. If you can, use a password manager (password manager).
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Enable two-factor authentication
Enable what's called "two-factor authentication" on your accounts. That way, even if someone has your password, they'll still need a temporary code from your phone to log in. This greatly reduces the chances of a breach.
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Notify your bank.
If you have entered your card or bank account details on a suspicious page, contact your bank immediately. Ask them to temporarily block the card and monitor for suspicious transactions.
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Check all your devices
Go to your account security settings and see which devices are actively logged in. If you see any that you don't recognize, log out immediately and change your password again.
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Report
Inform the affected service (e.g. Facebook, Google, bank) so they can take protective measures. If you have suffered financial damage, contact the Cybercrime Prosecution Service or the Police and keep evidence (emails, messages, receipts).
In case of Malware:
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Disconnect the computer from the internet.
Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable. This prevents malware from sending data or spreading to other devices.
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Run a full scan with a protection program
Open your security program (such as Windows Defender or Malwarebytes) and run a full scan of your computer. If any threats are found, delete or quarantine them. Restart your computer and check again.
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Restart in Safe Mode
If your computer is not working properly, restart it to “Safe Mode” (in Windows, usually by pressing F8 or through startup settings). In this mode, only essential programs are loaded, so you can more easily remove malware.
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Uninstall suspicious programs
Go to Control Panel → “Programs” and remove any applications you don’t recognize or that were installed without your knowledge. If you’re hesitant, search for the name online first to see if it’s safe.
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System Restore (last resort)
If nothing helps and the problem persists, you may need to do a “System Reset” or “Factory Reset.” Be careful, though: this process deletes all your files, so make sure to back them up first, if possible.
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Change all your passwords.
After cleaning your system, change all your passwords from a clean, uninfected device. This way you can make sure they won't be used again by a third party.
If a message appears asking for money to unlock your files, DO NOT PAY! There is no guarantee that you will get them back. Ask for help from a specialist or contact the Cybercrime Prosecution Service.
7. How to Protect Yourself in the Future
The best defense against phishing and malware is prevention. Follow these tips to reduce your risk and stay safe online:
If you receive an email or message from a sender you don't know, don't click on links or download attachments. They may contain malicious content.
Even if the email appears to come from your bank or a well-known company, look carefully at the address. If you see something like "trapeza-support@gmail.com" instead of "support@trapeza.gr", it's almost certainly fake.
Banks and reliable companies When They will not ask you for your passwords or card details over the phone. If this happens, hang up and call the company's official number directly.
Each account should have a different, strong password. Use a password manager to remember them securely.
Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone learns your password, they won't be able to log in without the second code from your phone.
Updates fix security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, programs, and browser.
Only download programs from official company websites or from trusted stores, such as Microsoft Store or Google Play.
Windows Defender offers good basic protection, but you can add a second program, like Malwarebytes, for extra security.
Store your important files on an external drive or in cloud services (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox). So if something goes wrong, you'll be able to restore them easily.
Avoid logging into bank accounts or typing sensitive information when using public Wi-Fi networks (e.g. in a coffee shop or hotel).
If something seems too good to be true — like a message promising big profits — then it's almost certainly a scam. Trust your instincts and check before you act!
8. Conclusion
🛡️ Your Computer Security Is In Your Hands
Phishing and malware are real threats that can affect anyone. With vigilance, basic knowledge, and the right tools, you can protect yourself and your data effectively.
Remember the basics:
Online safety isn't just about technology — it's also about attitude. With a little care and the right habits, you can enjoy the internet with confidence and security.
If you believe you have been a victim and cannot cope on your own, contact a professional or the relevant authorities. It is always better to seek help early than to regret it later.
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