I Got “Hacked” – Now What? How to on what to do.

This article is for those that know or think they have had another individual access their system without permission. Not a virus or malware. Out of 30 years in computers and computer services; I finally got hacked and all sorts of bad things have occurred but have what I know of in line as of now. Your info on the Dark Web? Is your computer or Website under control by others? Company computers / Servers under attack? Lets visit these topics and see if I can provide some tips.

The level of the data breach and what is on the system is the crucial side. If this is your home PC you will need to do a variety of things to get back to normal. Hopefully you have a backup of your data on an external drive. If not; lets hope for the best but also understand anything on the computer can be a virus or script that will start everything all over again. Typically this is not likely. The home PC might have Tax Returns and such on them but not enough for someone to hack into much less add in a script where they could be traced. That being said, if your home PC has been accessed by a person think of everything on it and how that could effect you.

If you suspect that your Windows PC has been hacked, it’s important to act quickly to secure your system and data. Here are 10 steps you can take:

1. Disconnect from the Internet: Immediately unplug your Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi to prevent further access to your system.
2. Change Your Passwords: Use a different, secure device to change your passwords for important accounts (email, banking, etc.). Consider using a password manager for strong passwords.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For any accounts that support it, enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security.
4. Run a Full Antivirus Scan: Use reputable antivirus software to scan your system for malware or malicious software. Follow the software’s recommendations to quarantine or remove threats.
5. Check for Unusual Activity: Review recent activity on your accounts and look for any unauthorized transactions or changes. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
6. Update Your Software: Ensure that your operating system, antivirus, and all software are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
7. Review Installed Programs: Check for any unfamiliar or suspicious programs installed on your PC. Uninstall anything you don’t recognize.
8. Restore System Settings: If necessary, restore your system to a previous restore point where you suspect it was secure. This can help revert any changes made by the hacker.
9. Monitor Your Network: Use your router’s interface to check connected devices and look for any unauthorized connections. Change your router’s password and ensure it has strong security settings. Open task manager and watch your wifi or ethernet and the programs running. If your not downloading anything or uploading there will only be small amounts of data being received or sent every few seconds. Things like Onedrive and much more reach out to the servers fairly often to sync.
10. Consider Professional Help: If the breach seems serious or you’re unable to resolve it, consider contacting a professional cybersecurity service for a thorough assessment and remediation.

After taking these steps, keep an eye on your accounts and systems for any further suspicious activity. Regularly updating your security practices is also essential to prevent future breaches.

If your home website has been hacked, it’s crucial to respond quickly to minimize damage and restore security. Here are 10 steps you can take:

1. Take the Website Offline: Temporarily disable your website to prevent further damage and to protect visitors from potential malware.
2. Assess the Damage: Check for any signs of unauthorized access, defacement, or suspicious files. Look for changes in your website’s content, unauthorized users, or altered settings.
3. Change Passwords: Update passwords for your website’s admin panel, hosting account, database, and FTP accounts. Use strong, unique passwords.
4. Restore from Backup: If you have a recent backup, restore your website to a clean state. Ensure that your backup is not compromised.
5. Scan for Malware: Use security tools or plugins to scan your website for malware or vulnerabilities. Tools like Sucuri or Wordfence can help.
6. Review User Accounts: Check for unauthorized users or changes to user permissions. Remove any suspicious accounts immediately.
7. Update Software: Ensure your CMS (like WordPress, Joomla, etc.), plugins, and themes are up to date. Outdated software is a common entry point for hackers.
8. Secure Your Website: Implement security best practices, such as using HTTPS, setting up a firewall, and configuring security plugins to monitor and protect your site.
9. Monitor for Further Issues: After restoring your site, keep a close eye on it for any unusual activity. Set up alerts for changes or suspicious logins.
10. Consider Professional Help: If you’re unsure about how to secure your site or the breach is severe, consider hiring a professional security service to conduct a thorough audit and clean-up.

After resolving the issue, it’s wise to conduct regular security audits and stay informed about the latest security practices to protect your website in the future.