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What to Do If Computer Is Hacked
It is never a good thing when your computer is hacked. Surely, you can imagine what kind of bad consequences it can bring. All the users who had their computers hacked never saw this experience as a positive one. The increased level of information technologies development has brought a bunch of advanced tools and devices. The innovative software has made almost every sphere of our life impressively computerized. These are the benefits of the rapid development of technologies. The negative points are cybercrimes, cyberbullying, and an increase in hackers’ attacks.
Nowadays, cybercrimes can bring criminals more money than drug and weapons trafficking. Experienced hackers can get access even to well-protected banks and other financial institutions. Still, when banks have advanced security systems and pre-arranged assurance in case of cybercrimes, simple users are defenseless.
Even with the constant updates of antivirus software and other security tools, hackers have learned how to adapt to any recent modifications. They use any chance to gain your credit card details, identification details, and other sensitive information. You should be very careful with your important personal data. Often it is better to prevent a crime than to deal with its consequences.
How to Find Out Your Computer Was Hacked
The worst part of finding out your computer was hacked is to find out about it too late. You need to act fast if there is a chance you have been hacked. It means coming up with fast solutions. Be very attentive to the information you see on your PC. Besides, pay attention to strange ways your computer operates. It can be some small but suspicious details. Certain signs show your personal computer being hacked.
You need to check the following details to figure out the possibility of your computer being hacked at once:
- You have been redirected to the websites you were not planning to visit once using the Google search engine.
- There are some suspicious applications on your device that you have never installed.
- You face such pop-up ads as bogus antivirus warnings with the links to follow to fight the threat.
- Your computer works very slowly and freezes often.
- Individuals on your contact list receive messages or other notices from you that you have never sent.
- You face your mouse moving when you do nothing.
- You have money withdrawn from your credit card account without your knowledge.
Sure, some of the small details are difficult to catch. But, be sure, it is better to figure out you have been hacked quickly. In such a case, you can protect your data and money. It is very bad when you learn about hacking after your money, and personal information have already been stolen.
Main Reasons Why You Were Hacked
Sure, modern cybercriminals tend to gain information and money from everyone. Still, they cannot be that lucky these days. Many people care deeply about their information and online safety. Thus, they use a bunch of the latest software solutions and protection tools to prevent any hacking attempts. Hackers use every opportunity you give them to steal your information and money. If you, for example, use an open, public Wi-Fi network, you make their life much easier. They can access your device with less affords.
Another way to help hackers to access your computer is to open suspicious emails with links. Once you open it, you can get some horrid virus on your device. This virus can become a great gateway for hackers to access and steal your private data, personal files, and credit information.
If you are clever enough, you will pay more attention to prevention methods. It is much better to prevent a crime since the costs of your computer being hacked can be quite high. Thus, if you like to use public Wi-Fi networks in cafes and airports, use an advanced VPN. Such tools as VeePN can assure safe online activity. Your information will be safe since you will be staying anonymous online. It means hackers will not be able to learn your IP address, personal details, and other critical information. Moreover, hackers will not be able to access your PC or other devices. In a case with suspicious emails and links, just be clever enough to avoid them. You should follow informational hygiene and never open dangerous messages and attachments.
How to Act When Your Computer is Hacked
If you think your computer was hacked, here are some tips to follow to deal with a problem. Firstly, you should never start panicking. It is never good to lose your calm. Secondly, follow the next steps.
- Reset Your Passwords
If you think your safety can be compromised, reset all your passwords. Use more complicated passwords afterward. - Exit Your Online Accounts
Never make it easier for hackers to gain access to your online accounts as well. Exit them quickly on your computer. - Disconnect from the Internet
You need to destroy any channel the hackers may use to access your device. Thus, disconnect from the Internet at once and turn your phone to airplane mode. - Remove Any External Drives
You need to get rid of all external drives to make sure they do not contain viruses that allow hackers to access your computer. - Use an Antivirus Software to Scan for Threats
You should scan your device for viruses and other threats. It is good when you have the latest version of antivirus software. - Wipe Your Hard Drive If Needed
It can be used as the last resort, but you may need to reinstall your operating system to get rid of viruses and malicious programs sent by hackers. - Close Your Credit and Other Financial Accounts
You should take care of your finances at once. Better close them to avoid any chance your money can be stolen by hackers.
Final Thoughts
It is good if you have time to notify your friends and family about your computer being hacked. They can get emails sent by hackers. They need to know how to reply properly. After that, you should take care of your security software. Use any tools that can improve your personal and credit information safety. Make sure you never deal with successful hacking attempts ever again in your life.
