What is what to do when computer is hacked?

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What To Do When Your Computer Is Hacked

Discovering your computer has been hacked can be a stressful experience. Here's a breakdown of steps you should take immediately:

1. Isolate the Infected Device: Disconnect it from the internet. This prevents the hacker from further accessing your system or spreading the infection to other devices on your network. Physically unplug the Ethernet cable and turn off the Wi-Fi.

2. Run a Scan with Anti-Malware Software: Use a reputable anti-virus or anti-malware program to perform a full system scan. Be sure your software is up to date. If you suspect your existing software has been compromised, consider using a bootable rescue disk from a trusted vendor.

3. Change Your Passwords: Once you've isolated the device and run a scan, immediately change the passwords for all of your important accounts, especially:

   • Email
   • Banking/Financial Accounts
   • Social Media
   • Any other accounts containing sensitive information

   Choose strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager.

4. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your financial institution.

5. Backup and Reinstall Your Operating System (If Necessary): In severe cases, a complete system wipe and reinstall of your operating system may be necessary to ensure the malware is completely removed. Before doing this, attempt to backup your important data to an external drive. Be aware that backed-up files may be infected so scan the backup drive thoroughly with updated Anti-Malware software before using the files.

6. Inform Relevant Parties: Depending on the nature of the hack and the data potentially compromised, you may need to inform other parties, such as:

   • Your employer (if the hack occurred on a work device or if work data was compromised).
   • Customers or clients (if their data was potentially exposed).
   • Law enforcement (if the hack involved significant financial loss or identity theft).

7. Report the Crime: Report the incident to the local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help them track and combat cybercrime.

8. Learn From the Experience: Review your security practices and identify any vulnerabilities that may have led to the hack. Implement stronger security measures, such as:

   • Enabling two-factor authentication (two%20factor%20authentication)
   • Using a firewall (firewall)
   • Keeping your software up to date (software%20update)
   • Being cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments in emails (phishing).
   • Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) (VPN) particularly on public Wi-Fi.

It's crucial to act quickly and decisively to minimize the damage caused by a hack. If you are unsure about any of these steps, seek professional help from a cybersecurity expert.