Something isn’t right. Your computer is running much slower than usual. Your browser directs you to websites you didn’t choose to go to. Pop-ups are warning you that your system is infected, or that your system is locked and you have to pay a ransom to get to your files. These are all signs that you may have been hacked.
One of the most important ways to protect yourself from hackers is to keep your computer backups current. That way, if you are the target of a ransomware attack or your system is corrupted by malware, you don’t lose your data.
If you are seeing signs that you may have been hacked, immediately stop using the computer to access sensitive information, such as bank accounts. The exact steps you should take next depend on the signs of infection you are seeing. This guide from Malwarebytes is a good place to start.
- Remove CDs, DVDs and USB drives, then shut down the computer. Restart in Safe Mode. This may stop malware from reloading.
- Back up your data files if you do not have current backups. Do not back up your program files, as they may be infected. You can download the programs again if a reinstall is necessary.
- Download and run a reliable malware scanning program.
- Restart your computer and run a full scan with a different malware scanning program. Different programs will often get different results. It is like getting a second opinion from a doctor.
- Update your operating system, browser and applications. Out-of-date software may be vulnerable to hackers and malware.
- Reset all of your passwords. While you were infected, bad guys may have grabbed your passwords. Change all of them to strong, secure passwords.
When people talk about being hacked, they usually are thinking of their computer being invaded by malware or other malicious actions by the bad guys. The information above can help if you believe your computer has been hacked.
In addition, your online accounts can be hacked. Hackers may access your accounts for Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, Yahoo, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other online services. These hacks may or may not be related to a hack of your computer. This article on Vice.com can help to identify and repair these account hacks.
