No matter how careful you are about keeping your sensitive information private, hacking can—and does—happen. Whether it's your email, social media accounts, or POS system, no online platform is entirely immune to hackers. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and mitigate the damage if you've fallen victim to a breach. In this article, we will discuss the signs of being compromised and provide you with immediate steps to safeguard your personal information and prevent it from happening again.

Signs You’ve Been Hacked

• Slow Performance or Freezing: Pay attention to sudden changes in system behavior, such as frequent crashes, slow performance, or unusual error messages. These could indicate the presence of malware or a breach.
• Unfamiliar Accounts or Users: Regularly review your user accounts and permissions. If you notice unfamiliar accounts or users with elevated privileges, it could be a sign of a security breach.
• Suspicious Emails or Messages: Be vigilant of unexpected emails or messages that appear to be from your contacts but contain suspicious links or attachments. Hackers often use phishing techniques to trick individuals into revealing personal information. Keep an eye on outgoing emails that you did not send. Hackers often hijack email accounts to send phishing emails or spread malware to others.
• Unauthorized Access to Systems or Data: If you notice unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activity within your systems, databases, or social media accounts, it's crucial to investigate further.
• Unexplained Data Usage or Network Traffic: Keep an eye on your internet data usage and monitor your network for spikes in data traffic. If you notice a significant increase without any reasonable explanation, it could be a sign that someone else is using your network.
• Disabled Security Software: Hackers may try to disable your security software to gain access to your personal information without detection. If your antivirus or firewall suddenly becomes disabled, it could be a red flag.
• Data Encryption or Ransomware Messages: If you encounter messages demanding payment in exchange for access to encrypted files or systems, it's a clear sign that you have been targeted by ransomware.

What to Do When You've Been Compromised

1. Change Your Passwords Immediately

The first and most crucial step when you suspect you've been hacked is to change your passwords. Start by focusing on the device, application, or account that was compromised, but also consider any other accounts that share similar passwords. Creating strong, unique passwords for each account is essential to prevent hackers from gaining unauthorized access. Avoid using variations of previously used passwords, as hackers often attempt to exploit patterns or reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Consider using a reliable password manager like Last Pass to generate secure passwords and manage them effectively. We recommend using passphrases that are hard to guess but easy to remember, like “IloveTURKEYbac0n.” You can learn more about password management tips by reading our latest blog.

2. Enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

Besides changing your passwords, it is crucial to secure your login processes by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password. We recommend using an Authenticator app (such as MS Authenticator App or Google Duo) ahead of SMS MFA. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, hackers will still be unable to access your accounts. Set up MFA for all your online log-ins, including social media, email, financial institutions, and other platforms offering this feature.

3. Monitor Your Account Activity

After securing your log-in processes, thoroughly review the activity in your compromised account. If it's a financial institution, check for any unusual transactions or withdrawals. If it's a social media account, carefully inspect your posts, messages, and friend requests to identify any suspicious activity you may not have initiated. It's also essential to inform any other parties affected by the breach, such as your family or clients. Promptly reporting any unauthorized activity can help mitigate the potential damage caused by the hack.

4. Reset Devices and Accounts

If your computer, phone, or any other device has been compromised, it's crucial to immediately reset or factory reset the device. This will erase any malicious software or unauthorized access and restore the device to its original state. Additionally, for online accounts that have been compromised, such as email or social media, carefully review and reset the account settings. Remove suspicious connections, revoke access to third-party applications, and update your personal information to prevent further unauthorized access.

5. Contact Resources Who Can Assist

Experiencing a hack can be distressing, but it's essential to remember that you're not alone. Reach out to the appropriate resources who can provide immediate assistance and guidance in dealing with the aftermath of a hack. Contact your financial institutions, email service providers, or social media platforms to report the breach and seek their expertise in securing your accounts. These organizations have dedicated teams to handle such incidents and can take swift action to protect your information and prevent further unauthorized activity.

6. Take Preventative Measures for the Future

After addressing the immediate aftermath of a hack, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect yourself from future incidents. Update your passwords regularly, using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible and consider implementing additional security measures, such as biometric or passwordless log-ins. Regularly back up your data to ensure you have a copy in case of a breach or device failure. Adopting these preventative measures significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to future hacking attempts.

Cyberattacks can have severe consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal implications. Remember, being proactive is key to mitigating the impact of a potential hack. By following these steps, you can strengthen your digital security and protect sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Please contact us if you have questions or would like to learn more about our Lutz Tech services.