Recognising when your business network has been compromised is crucial for protecting your data, staff productivity, and customer trust. A hacked network often shows subtle signs before major damage occurs, so understanding these early warnings can help you respond quickly and reduce downtime or data loss.
Why This Matters for Australian SMBs
For small and mid-sized businesses in Australia, a network breach can disrupt operations, expose sensitive customer or employee information, and damage your reputation. The resulting downtime can stall sales and service delivery, while regulatory expectations around data privacy mean breaches can also lead to compliance challenges. Early detection is your best defence.
Common Signs Your Network May Be Hacked
Some warning signs include unusual system behaviour such as slow performance, unexpected software installations, or frequent crashes. You might notice strange login activity, like logins at odd hours or from unfamiliar locations. Other indicators are sudden spikes in network traffic, unexplained changes to files, or alerts from antivirus and security software. Sometimes staff report unusual emails or pop-ups, which can be a sign of malware.
A Typical Scenario
Consider a 50-person accounting firm in Melbourne. One morning, staff notice their computers are unusually slow, and several can't access shared files. The IT team discovers unauthorised access from an overseas IP address and signs of ransomware attempting to encrypt files. Thanks to regular backups and a managed IT provider's quick response, they isolate the affected systems, restore data, and strengthen security protocols to prevent recurrence.
Practical Checklist: What You Can Do Now
- Ask your IT provider: How do you monitor for unusual network activity? What is your incident response process?
- Review access controls: Check who has admin rights and ensure passwords follow strong policies.
- Verify backups: Confirm backups are regular, stored securely offsite or in the cloud, and tested for restorability.
- Monitor logs: Look for failed login attempts or access from unexpected locations.
- Update software: Ensure all systems and security tools are patched and up to date.
- Educate staff: Train employees to recognise phishing emails and suspicious links.
Next Steps
If you suspect your network might be compromised or want to improve your detection and response capabilities, speak with a trusted managed IT provider or cybersecurity advisor. They can help assess your current security posture, implement monitoring tools, and develop a tailored incident response plan suited to your business needs.