What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Hacked

You’re using your computer like normal, and suddenly you see a strange message: “Your computer has been hacked.” Or maybe you got a phone call from someone claiming to be tech support, and they convinced you to give them access to your computer. Now you are worried about what they might have done.

Don’t panic. Here are the steps you should take right away.

1. Turn Off or Disconnect Your Computer

If you think someone has hacked your computer or taken control of it, disconnect it from the internet as soon as possible. This will stop the hacker from doing more damage.

How to do it:

• Unplug the internet cable from the computer.
• If you use Wi-Fi, turn off the Wi-Fi connection or shut down the computer completely.

2. Change Your Passwords

Hackers often go after passwords to access accounts like email, social media, or online banking. Change these passwords as soon as possible.

Start with these:

• Email account
• Online banking accounts
• Social media accounts (like Facebook)

When changing passwords:

• Use passwords that are at least 12 characters long.
• Do not use common words like "password" or "123456."
• Make each password different from the others.

3. Run a Security Scan

Hackers sometimes install harmful software, called malware, on your computer. Run a full security scan with your antivirus program to find and remove any threats.

If you don’t have antivirus software:

• Windows computers often have a built-in program called Windows Security.
• On Macs, you can go to System Settings to check security options.

4. Contact Your Bank (If You Gave Personal Info)

If you gave the hacker your bank account information, credit card number, or Social Security number, call your bank immediately. Explain the situation and ask them to watch for unusual activity or freeze your account if necessary.

You can also place a fraud alert on your credit by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus:

• Experian – 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion – 1-800-680-7289
• Equifax – 1-800-525-6285

5. Let Your Friends and Family Know

Hackers might use your email or social media accounts to contact people you know. They could send fake messages asking for money or personal information.

Tell your friends and family not to respond to any unusual messages from you.

6. Report the Scam

Reporting the hack can help prevent others from being targeted.

• If it was a phone scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• If a specific account was hacked (like Facebook), report it through that website’s security settings.

7. Get Professional Help

If you are unsure if your computer is safe, it’s best to call a professional. At DE Web Works, we’ve been helping people protect their devices for more than 30 years.

Give us a call at (361) 575-7656, and we’ll check your system to make sure it’s safe.

Final Thought

Getting hacked can feel overwhelming, but taking quick action can limit the damage. Follow the steps above, and remember—you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to help.