What to Do If You Suspect Your Computer Has Been Compromised

What to Do If You Suspect Your Computer Has Been Compromised

If you suspect your computer has been compromised, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Whether you notice an unusual link or feel a sense of unease, it’s important to refer to the following steps. While this list may not cover every scenario, it provides essential guidance that could prove invaluable.

• Disconnect from the network, wifi, internet immediately and turn off your computer to stop access and any of the malware programs from running.
• Take a minute to breathe. Once you’re not in panic mode, continue on.
• Determine if you have been hacked.

• • Use an anti-virus software to do a scan. Most recommended anti-virus software charge something, and it is worth it to have that protection. There are many other anti-virus software on the market to look at, but company names you’ll see on Consumer Reports lists will include Norton, TotalAV, Aura, McAfee and Bitdefender.
  • Check your system settings to turn off remote access to your computer. Search for Remote Assistance if you have a PC and Remote Login for Mac.
  • Check your computer’s firewall. A firewall prevents unwanted connections from the internet or other networks. You’ll want to make sure this is on, and if anything listed looks suspicious, you should be able to select it from the list and block incoming connections.
  • Also, check if any of the recent activity isn’t something you’ve used. For Windows, go to the Start menu to view recently opened apps, and for a Mac, click the Apple icon and then Recent Items.
• Back up the data and files on your computer in case you no longer have access to it, save in the cloud, an external drive or memory stick.
• Change passwords, make sure the passwords you’ve selected are long, at least 20 characters, and have special characters and wherever possible, set up 2 factor authentication
• If you require professional assistance, consider visiting a local tech support service to have your computer examined in person, rather than opting for online support which typically involves granting remote access where you might run into bad actors posing as computer service firms. I’ve used Best Buy’s Geek Squad in the past! Before you leave, make sure you’ve backed up your data in case they need to reset your computer to its factory settings.
• It is advisable to contact your bank and investment firms to alert them about potential fraud. They can place a note on your account for additional identity confirmation or implement extra security measures like a verbal passcode or security questions.
• Go to all three credit reporting agencies and freeze your credit, also set up a fraud alert.

• Experian, https://www.experian.com
• TransUnion, https://www.transunion.com
• Equifax, https://www.equifax.com

• Keep monitoring your bank, credit cards and computer, and if there were fraudulent charges, report the fraud to https://www.identitytheft.gov

It is unfortunate that fraud happens as often as it does. Taking these steps as soon as suspicions arise can hopefully stop the hacker in their tracks.