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What To Do When Your Computer Is Hacked?

March 17, 2020 • Vulnerability Management • 5 min read
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Cybercriminals are getting sneakier every single day and you should know what actions to take if your computer is hacked.

As a business owner, it’s important to take immediate action and to not hope for the best. Controlling the situation and having a backup plan should be on your priority list in any case of a breach.

The best solution to combat cyberattacks is to be prepared. No individual or business is safe, and chances are that hackers are just waiting for the right moment to strike. Knowing what to expect and how can it be fixed is necessary.

Here’s What You Need To Do:

1. Reset your Passwords

Change all your passwords, not only on your computer or laptop, but also your email and social accounts, and every other service that holds your personal and billing information. There might be a chance that you cannot log in to your account, so try resetting your password or look for another account recovery option. If it still doesn’t work, it is recommended to contact the company provider directly and they can take immediate action.

Remember to use different passwords for different accounts so your information won’t be compromised. You can also implement multi-factor authentication for an additional layer of security.

Read: Password Security and Best Practices

2. Scan and Update your Security Software

One of your installed software might be the cause of it. Run a security scan on your device using an anti-virus program and malware detector to eliminate programs or infections that are creeping around on your hard drive waiting to do more damage. If malware is found, it is best to reset your passwords again as this malware might have logged your new password.

Read: Reasons Why Software Updates Are Important For Your Business

3. Check and Verify Accounts

After changing passwords, ensure that all your information is not changed. For example, your shipping or billing address, and ensure that there is no automatic forwarding set up in your email. In addition, check if your granting rights that authorize any third-party apps such as Facebook and Twitter on your account. The best thing to do is delete any application that you don’t remember installing in the first place.

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4. Inform Your Family, Friends, and Colleagues

Alert them that your computer has been hacked so they will be cautious of any messages sent using your account. If your email is hacked, it’s important to let your contacts know as hackers used affiliated accounts to gain access since it’s less suspicious if they have received e-mails coming from their contact list.

5. Keep An Eye On Your Online Accounts

Hackers sometimes just get enough information to get access to your credit or debit account and make any fraudulent purchases online. Ensure that you are checking the activity on your account and report any suspicious transactions, you’ll know better than anyone if any purchases are authorized by you or not.

6. Reinstall Your Operating System

If you’ve really suffered from a major hack on your system, you should consider reinstalling your Operating System (OS) and cleaning your hard drive before retrieving your back up files. It is recommended to get help from an IT professional to ensure that you’re not transferring any damaged or infected files to your reinstalled system.

Remember that you can keep hackers out if you make it harder for them to breach your data. Remove old habits and follow best practices when it comes to protecting your information. Keeping your defenses up and placing a lot of barriers will help you avoid any cybercrimes or hacks.

Contact us today and find out how we can help you when your computer is hacked.

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