I think my computer is hacked, What to do?

 

If you suspect your computer has been compromised, it is important to act quickly and methodically to protect your data and accounts.

Immediate Steps (Do These First)

1. Disconnect from the Internet: Immediately turn off Wi-Fi or unplug your Ethernet cable. This stops the attacker from remotely controlling your machine or exfiltrating data.

2. Use a Different Device: Do not change passwords or log into sensitive accounts on the compromised computer. A keylogger or other malware could capture your new credentials. Use a clean, trusted device (like your phone or a different computer) to secure your accounts.

       From a different trusted device (such as your phone):

• Change passwords for your email account first.
• Then change passwords for banking, work, cloud storage, and other important accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available.

    3. Check for remote-access software.

        Look for programs such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ScreenConnect, RustDesk, 

        or other remote-control tools that you did not intentionally install.

        If you find unknown remote-access software, uninstall it.

    

    4. Check recent account activity.

        Email account login history.

        Microsoft, Google, Apple, or other cloud account security pages.

        Bank and credit card transactions.

    5. If you see evidence of a serious compromise:

         Back up important personal files.

         Perform a full operating system reinstall or factory reset.

         Restore only personal documents, photos, and other trusted files from backups.

1. Secure Your Accounts:

   • Start by changing the password for your primary email account, as this is often the "master key" for resetting other passwords.

   • Move to financial accounts (banking, PayPal, etc.).

   • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all accounts that support it. Use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator) rather than SMS text codes whenever possible.

   • Use the "Log out of all devices" feature on your email, social media, and cloud storage providers.

Next Steps for Security

• Run a Full Malware Scan: Once disconnected, perform a deep system scan using reputable security software. Programs like Malwarebytes or built-in Windows Defender/Security are good starting points. Ensure the security software is updated before starting the scan.

• Monitor Financials: Contact your bank and credit card companies if you suspect they have been accessed. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports at major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.

• Assess Data Sensitivity: Make a note of what sensitive information was on the device (e.g., tax documents, login credentials, personal client information). If you manage data for others, you may have legal or professional obligations to report a potential data breach.

• Notify Contacts: If the attacker has sent emails or messages from your accounts, let your contacts know (via a different, secure channel) to ignore those messages and not to click any links or attachments.

• The symptoms you're seeing. Common examples include:

  • Pop-ups appearing constantly, especially fake virus warnings.
  • The mouse moving or clicking by itself.
  • Programs opening or closing on their own.
  • New software you don't remember installing.
  • Browser redirects to strange websites.
  • Passwords changing unexpectedly or login alerts from unfamiliar locations.
  • Friends receiving messages from your accounts that you didn't send.
  • Files disappearing, being renamed, or becoming inaccessible.
  • A message demanding payment to unlock your files (ransomware).
  • Antivirus alerts reporting malware.
  • The computer suddenly becoming very slow, with unusually high CPU, memory, or network usage.
  • Webcam or microphone activity when you're not using them.

Recovery

• Avoid Shortcuts: If you find malware and it keeps returning, or if the system behaves erratically, the safest option is often to perform a clean reinstallation of the operating system. Ensure you have verified, clean backups before doing this.

• Seek Professional Help: If this is a work-issued computer, contact your IT department immediately. They have specific protocols for incident response that you should follow. If you are not confident in your ability to clean the machine, consider taking it to a local, trusted IT professional.