Computer Hacked? Here’s What to Do.

This article is for those who suspect their computer is hacked. If you’re a business, we’re going to assume that you don’t have an incident response plan or cyber insurance. If you do, we suggest you start by contacting your cyber insurance provider and following your incident response plan. 

If your computer is hacked here are the major concerns:

1. Sensitive Information Theft:

   Malware commonly Logs Keystrokes (steals anything you type), Steals Cookies, and Steals saved Passwords, Customer Information, Bank Account Numbers, Credit Card Numbers, Social Security Numbers, documents like tax returns, etc. Sometimes hackers will use the personal information on your computer to blackmail you, threatening to release it, or even email it to your contacts, demanding you pay a ransom.

2. Camera and Microphone Access:

   Spyware can access your camera and microphone to steal confidential information and possibly use it to blackmail you.

3. Crypto Theft:

   This is a relatively new trend. A new type of Malware that steals crypto from software wallets on computers and phones has been spreading around.

4. The Breach Spreading to Others:

   Often hackers will Hack email accounts to email your contacts malware, email them scams, etc.

5. Functionality Interruptions:

   Sometimes malware on your computer can use up resources to mine crypto, or enroll your computer into what is called a botnet which is used to send malicious internet traffic to other targets.

Now What to do About Your Hacked Computer:

Confirm the breach, there are plenty of hoaxes:

Scammers may email you claiming to access your computers, or fraudulent website ads may claim your computer is hacked. Signs of a hacked computer include slow performance, unrecognized applications installed on your computer, etc.

Isolate and Contain:

The immediate priority is to isolate the affected systems and contain the breach to prevent further unauthorized access. You’ll want to do it without deleting evidence that will be critical for figuring out what happened. Disconnecting the computer from the internet, disconnecting the router, etc. Do not turn them off. 

 Engage a Cybersecurity Emergency Team:

Call our cybersecurity emergency team to conduct a rapid and thorough assessment of your computers, devices, and accounts. We’ve seen a lot of cybersecurity incidents. 

We can help you:

1. Determine how your computer was hacked

2. Analyze the extent of the compromise

3. Determine what information was exposed

4. What the hackers did 

5. Investigate who hacked your computer

6. Guide you through the necessary steps for remediation.

Need Emergency Cybersecurity Help?

Call our cybersecurity emergency hotline or contact us here. Our cybersecurity incident response experts can provide a quick response and assist you.