PART 1: QUICK & ESSENTIAL STEPS (Do These First)
Confirm You Were Hacked
- Look for signs (see below).
- Check unusual emails, logins, or activity.
- Don’t ignore your instincts.
Secure Your Most Important Accounts First
- Start with email, banking, and password manager.
- Change passwords immediately.
- Enable MFA.
Change All Your Passwords
- Use a strong, unique password for each account.
- Use a password manager.
Check Recent Account Activity
- Review logins, sessions, devices, and transactions.
- Log out of unknown devices.
Scan Your Devices for Malware
- Run a full antivirus scan.
- Remove any threats that are found.
- Restart your devices.
Secure Your Email Account
- Hackers often start with email.
- Update password and recovery info.
- Check filters and forwarding rules.
Check Your Financial Accounts
- Review transactions for anything unfamiliar.
- Contact your bank if needed.
Tell Someone You Trust
- Don’t handle it alone.
- Ask a friend or family member for support.
PART 2: ADVANCED & DETAILED RECOVERY STEPS
Review and Secure All Accounts
- Go through all important accounts (social media, cloud storage, shopping, work, subscriptions).
- Change passwords and enable MFA.
Check for Data Leaks
- Use breach check tools (see below).
- See if your email or passwords were exposed.
Update Recovery Information
- Update recovery email and phone number.
- Remove unknown or old recovery methods.
Revoke Access & Permissions
- Check third-party apps and services.
- Remove anything you don’t recognise.
Check Cloud & Backup Accounts
- Review cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, etc.).
- Restore files only from trusted backups.
Monitor for Ongoing Threats
Watch for unusual emails or texts.
Consider a firewall or ID protection service.
Update Your Software
-
Update operating system, browsers, and apps.
- Close security vulnerabilities.
Strengthen Your Security
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Enable MFA everywhere possible.
Document Everything
- Keep records of incidents, emails, or financial losses.
- Helpful if reporting or making claims.
Report if Necessary
- Report major fraud or identity theft to the relevant authorities.