If you think your personal accounts or cell phone has been hacked, it’s important to act quickly to minimize the damage and protect yourself from further harm. Here are some steps you can take:
- Change your passwords: The first thing you should do is change the passwords for all of your accounts that have been hacked. Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- If it’s a cell phone that has been hacked its best to restore the device to factory settings and start over, DO NOT restore it from a cloud back up or old back up.
- Check for suspicious activity: Check your account activity logs to see if there have been any unauthorized purchases or changes made to your account information.
- Notify the company: Contact the company that manages the account that has been hacked and let them know what has happened. They will be able to provide you with further guidance on how to protect yourself and your account. (This is especially important if you think your banking information has been hacked)
- Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts.
- Monitor your credit report: If a hacker has obtained your personal information, they may try to open new accounts in your name. Monitor your credit report to ensure that no new accounts have been opened without your knowledge.
- Be cautious of phishing: Hackers may try to trick you into providing them with your personal information by sending you phishing emails or text messages. Be cautious of any unsolicited messages that ask for your personal information and never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.
- Consider getting a credit freeze: A credit freeze is a way to restrict access to your credit report, making it more difficult for hackers to open new accounts in your name.
- Be careful with personal information: Be more careful with personal information in future, such as not leaving personal information on social media, not using public Wi-Fi, and being more cautious of phishing emails and text messages.
- Keep your software up to date: Keep your operating system and any security software you have installed on your computer up-to-date. This will ensure that you have the latest security patches and features to protect yourself from hackers.
- Seek professional help: If you are unable to resolve the issue, or are unsure of how to proceed, consider seeking professional. You can hire a professional cyber investigator who can help you get your life back.
It’s important to remember that being hacked can be a traumatic experience and it’s ok to feel upset or anxious about it. But taking the steps above and being proactive can help you regain control and protect yourself from further harm. If you need a professional hacking investigation, we can help. Contact us today for a Free Consultation.