Determining whether or not your computer or mobile device has been hacked can be difficult. Nonetheless, there are a few common issues that will indicate your computer has been hacked. If your browser’s homepage has unexpectedly changed or is taking you to websites you have never visited, this could be an indication. Also, if your computer program has triggered an alert that your system is infected, or your computer applications are constantly crashing, your computer could be hacked.

If you are experiencing any of these common issues or have experienced other unusual things with your computer, you should respond quickly, report the incident to your departmental  IT staff, or call the OIT HelpDesk right away. Lastly, if you feel in any way threatened, immediately report it to law enforcement. UT Policy IT0122 (Security Incident Reporting and Response) says, “Each Campus must develop or adopt and adhere to a program that demonstrates compliance with this policy and related standards. This program is the responsibility of the Position of Authority.” That position of authority is Joel Reeves, the Chief Information Officer for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The Incident Response Plan for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, can be viewed at tiny.utk.edu/IRP (NETID login required.)

As a reminder, OIT will post email scams to the Recent Email Scams tab within the OIT System Status Center. If you have concerns or questions about whether your computer is hacked, you should contact the OIT HelpDesk at 865-974-9900.

Remember, no one in OIT, the OIT HelpDesk, or any legitimate online entity will ever ask you for your password via email.