The digital age has given us plenty of benefits, but it's also raised a lot of security threats that we mightn't have had to deal with previously. Crime has gone digital with various types of cyberattacks, and this means that we're likely to be victims of hacking, data breaches, and the like.
Having
your accounts hacked can have disastrous consequences, from identity theft to
being unable to access your funds. That's why it's important to take the
necessary precautions to protect your identity and data.
But
what happens if it happens anyway? What to do if you've been hacked? How can
you set things right again? Keep reading to learn more tips on preventing
hackers.
How to Know if You’ve Been Hacked
If
you suddenly lose control of your accounts, or if you notice any of the
following signs, it's possible you've been hacked. Here are
a few signs that you should look out for.
Odd Login Activity
If
you see logins from unfamiliar devices or locations, it's possible someone has
hacked your account.
Changes to Your Contact Information
If
someone has changed your email address or phone number without your permission,
they may have hacked your account.
Unusual Activity on Your Bank or Credit Card Accounts
If
you see charges you didn't make, or if your balance is suddenly lower than it
should be, someone may have stolen your financial information.
Suspicious Emails in Your Inbox
If
you receive emails that look like they're from your bank or another company you
do business with, but they're asking for personal information or login
credentials, it's likely a phishing scam. Don't click on any links or reply to
these emails.
What to Do if You’ve Been Hacked
It
is important to take action immediately to protect your identity and limit the
damage. Here are a few suggestions on what you need to do.
Check Logs
You
should immediately check your logs. This will give you a clue as to what
may have happened and what you need to fix. Look for anything out of the
ordinary, such as strange IP addresses or unfamiliar user names.
If
you see anything suspicious, make sure to change your password immediately. You
should also run a virus scan on your computer to be safe.
Change Password
If
you use the same password for multiple accounts, be sure to change it on all of
them. You should also create a new, strong password that contains a mix of
upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. If you’re not sure how to
create a strong password, you can use a password generator tool.
Once
you’ve changed your password, you should take a look at your account settings
to see if the hackers changed anything. This includes your email address,
recovery phone number, and security questions. If any of these have been
changed, you should update them to ensure that your account is secure.
If
you’re still seeing unusual activity on your account, it’s a good idea to reach
out to the customer support of your service. They may be able to help you
regain control of your account and investigate what happened.
Run Malware Scans
This
will help identify malicious software roaming your device without your
knowledge. There are a number of free malware scanners available online, so you
should be able to find one that suits your needs.
Once
you have identified any malicious software, you should then take steps to
remove it from your device. If you are unsure how to do this, you may need to
seek help from a computer professional.
Freeze Your Credit Line
This
will prevent hackers from opening any new accounts in your name and stop any
new fraudulent activity from occurring. You should then report the incident to
the proper authorities, such as the police, and file a report with the Federal
Trade Commission.
How to Prevent Hacks in the Future
If
you've been hacked, the most important thing you can do is take preventative
measures to ensure it doesn't happen again. Here are a few key steps to take.
Use a VPN
A
VPN encrypts your internet connection, enabling anonymous web browsing. Because
it conceals your data from prying eyes, you can surf the web without worrying
that someone is monitoring you.
This
means that even if someone stole sensitive information from you, it could
not be read. A VPN increases the difficulty of information theft significantly.
If
you want to ensure hacker prevention, you can download VPN from this
page.
Avoid Shady Links
Be
vigilant about the links you click on. Avoid shady links, even if they come
from seemingly trustworthy sources.
If
you're not sure if a link is safe, err on the side of caution and don't click
it.
Invest in Good Antivirus Software
One
of the best things you can do is invest in some good antivirus software. This
will help to protect your computer from further attacks and give you a better
chance of removing any malicious software.
Use Password Manager
Picking
strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts is hard. That’s where
a password manager comes in to make your life simpler and more secure. A
password manager is a software that helps you create, remember, and manage your
passwords.
In
the event that someone hacked you, utilizing a password manager is an
extraordinary method to make sure that your other online accounts remain
secure.
Keep the Hackers Away
If
you have been hacked, it is important to act quickly. This guide provides
helpful steps on what to do if you have been hacked.
Remember
to change your passwords, update your online security settings, and run a virus
scan. If you need more help, be sure to contact a professional.
If
this article was able to help you and answer any of the questions you have
about what to do if you've been hacked, be sure to take a look at some of our
other posts for more helpful guides and tips!
