Help! I Think I’ve Been Hacked. What Do I Do Now?

Discovering that you may have been hacked can be quite stressful. Whether you’ve noticed strange account activity, unusual pop-ups, or your computer is behaving oddly, acting quickly is key to minimizing damage and regaining control of your device.

If you’re thinking, “I’ve been hacked. What now?” don’t panic. Here are some tips to help you navigate the situation. Have more questions? Want us to take a look at your device? For any of your needs, drop by our shop or reach out.

Disconnect from the Internet

The first thing to do is disconnect your device from the internet. This stops any ongoing malicious activity and prevents the hacker from accessing more data or spreading malware further.

Don’t Log into Any Accounts

If you suspect your system has been compromised, avoid logging into sensitive accounts like your bank, email, or social media. You may be giving hackers access to your credentials through keyloggers or screen monitoring tools.

Run a Full Malware Scan

Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your system. If you already had protection installed and something slipped through, consider downloading a second tool to double-check (using another device if necessary).

Safely Change Your Passwords

Once you’re confident your device is secure (or from a different, clean device), start changing passwords for all your critical accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each one, and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

Check for Unauthorized Activity

Review recent activity on your bank, email, and social media accounts. Look for unfamiliar logins, purchases, messages, or changes to account settings. Report anything suspicious to the appropriate service provider immediately.

Get Professional Help

Not sure how far the damage goes? It’s always smart to have a professional evaluate your computer. Our Richfield computer repair team specializes in hacked system evaluations, malware removal, and data protection. We can help restore your security and peace of mind.

Monitor for Future Threats

Being hacked once means you may be more vulnerable going forward. Stay alert. Set up account alerts, check credit reports, and keep your software updated to patch known vulnerabilities.

When in Doubt, Don’t Wait - Contact Our Richfield Computer Repair Experts Today

If you suspect your computer has been hacked, time is of the essence. The sooner you act, the more you can limit potential damage. Don’t take chances with your personal or business data. Bring your device to our Richfield computer repair experts for a full security check and professional cleanup.