Over 230,000 new malware samples are created each day. That’s 230,000 new ways that hackers can find their way directly into your goldmine of personal and financial information. Cyber attacks are becoming much more common, more intricate, and more dangerous. It’s now more important than ever to be conscious of links you’re clicking, specifically on social media. Around 600,000 Facebook accounts are hacked daily and attacks on Instagram are just as staggering (especially lately). As long as your equipment is connected to the internet it is at risk of being attacked. Ensuring that your device is current on software updates may be annoying, but it’s sometimes the first line of defense against these cyber thieves.

Hackers are getting smarter, that’s no surprise to anyone. It’s important to stay on top of the current methods that hackers are using to steal your information. It can be through your computer, email, or even a phone call. Just last week, there were reports of scammers calling Apple customers and stating that the recipients Apple iCloud account had been hacked. Double and triple check that what you are about to open is from a trusted source. Even if the software or email claims it’s from a well known source like Microsoft or Google, it could very well be a hacker. If you have any doubts at all, contact this person or corporation directly and have a conversation to help ensure your cyber security isn’t at risk. 

We’ve created a list of the top 5 things you should do after you believe you’ve been hacked. Enjoy! 

1. Change your password immediately.

Tip: Never reuse old or similar passwords. Even if you’re not hacked, it’s smart to change passwords every once in a while. 

2. Turn off your Wi-Fi. 

Tip: If you’re on a laptop, there’s a switch on the side to instantly turn off Wi-Fi. Don’t use the option on your computer to turn it off, the hackers could use malware to trick you. This stops the hacker from communicating on the network. 

3. Un-link your social media accounts. 

Tip: You have probably authorized some apps to use your social media sites.  If you have been hacked, the hacker may have linked to their own accounts with your noticing.  

4. Check your finances.

Tip: The main reason hackers go through this trouble is for money. Usually, they’re looking for credit card information or access to an account with your money in it.

5. Tell people. 

Tip: Let people know you’ve been attacked so they don’t interact with anything from your accounts. You can save someone from going through the same trouble easily by letting people know. 

If you believe that your information has been compromised, call Tech Help Boston immediately. We can help guide you and discuss setting up initiatives to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.