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Cyber Tips

Hacked? Essential Survival Steps and Reporting Checklist

Eric Peterson 0 Comment
Hacked, act fast image for blog article

Introduction

In today’s hyper-connected world, cyberattacks are no longer rare or reserved for big businesses—everyday people and small businesses are targets, too. Whether it’s a hacked email, suspicious network activity, or a full-blown ransomware attack, knowing what to do in those critical first moments can make all the difference. This playbook walks you through the essential steps to take when you suspect you’ve been hacked including immediate actions to long-term prevention, including who to contact and where to find trustworthy help.

1. Hacked? Immediate Actions

Why it matters:
The faster you act, the less damage a hacker can do. Immediate containment can prevent further data loss, financial theft, or spread of malware to other devices.

What to do:

  • Disconnect Devices: Unplug your computer or device from Wi-Fi and power it down. This stops the hacker from maintaining access and spreading malware.
  • Reset Router: Restore your router to factory settings, update its firmware, and set a new, strong password. This ensures no backdoors remain open on your home network.
  • Change Passwords: Use a different, secure device to update passwords for your email, banking, social media, and any other critical accounts. Consider using a password manager for strong, unique passwords.
  • Run Antivirus Scans: Use reputable antivirus tools to scan for and remove malware. Quarantine or delete any suspicious files found.

2. Hacked? Secure Your Network

Why it matters:
A secure network is your first line of defense against future attacks. Hackers often exploit weak Wi-Fi security to gain access to all connected devices.

What to do:

  • Enable Encryption: Set your router to use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption—these are the most secure standards currently available.
  • Disable Risky Features: Turn off WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and remote management, which are common entry points for attackers.
  • Filter Devices: Enable MAC address filtering to limit which devices can connect to your Wi-Fi network.

3. Document the Incident

Why it matters:
Accurate records help authorities investigate and can be crucial for insurance or legal claims. They also help you track what happened and when.

What to do:

  • Note Timeline: Write down when you first noticed suspicious activity and any actions you took.
  • Save Evidence: Take screenshots of suspicious messages, pop-ups, or unauthorized transactions. Save any phishing emails or ransom notes.
  • Check Accounts: Review your bank, email, and social media accounts for unauthorized activity or changes.

4. Hacked? Report to Authorities

Why it matters:
Reporting helps protect you and others, and may be required for financial or identity theft recovery. Authorities can also provide guidance and, in some cases, help recover lost assets.

Who to contact:

  1. Local Police: File a report if you feel threatened, experienced theft, or need documentation for insurance.
  2. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Submit a cybercrime report online at ic3.gov.
  3. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report identity theft or fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  4. CISA: For critical infrastructure or large-scale attacks, report at cisa.gov/report.
  5. Workplace IT: If work devices or accounts are affected, notify your employer’s IT or security team immediately.

5. Recover & Protect

Why it matters:
After the initial crisis, it’s crucial to prevent further damage and protect yourself from future attacks.

What to do:

  • Freeze Credit: Contact major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your most important accounts.
  • Monitor Accounts: Set up alerts for suspicious activity on your bank, credit, and email accounts. Consider using services like Aura or your bank’s monitoring tools.

6. Prevention Tips

Why it matters:
Once you’ve recovered, staying aware and being skeptical of scams and suspicious requests and activities is key to avoiding future hacks.

What to do:

  • Update Regularly: Keep your operating system, apps, and devices updated with the latest security patches.
  • Avoid Phishing: Be cautious with emails, links, and attachments—verify the source before clicking.
  • Use a VPN: For extra security, especially on public WiFi, use a reputable VPN service.
  • Backup Data: Regularly back up important files to an external drive or secure cloud storage, so you can recover quickly if attacked again.

Resources

Conclusion:
Being hacked is stressful, but acting quickly and methodically can limit the damage and help you recover faster. Keep this playbook handy, and share it with friends and family to help everyone stay safer online.

You may also find our article on avoiding Deep Fake Scams interesting or this one by the FBI on staying safe while online.

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