You open your inbox and see a “password changed” notification you didn’t trigger. Or your friends start receiving strange messages from your email or social media accounts.
Panic sets in — have you been hacked?
Unfortunately, cyberattacks and account breaches are more common than ever. But don’t worry — if you act quickly and follow the right steps, you can minimise the damage and regain control.
Step 1: Don’t Ignore It
Even if the signs are small — like unfamiliar logins, changed settings, or missing files — take it seriously. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preventing further problems.
Step 2: Change Your Passwords
Start with the affected account, then work outward:
- Change the password immediately
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if it’s not already on
- Change passwords on any other accounts that use the same credentials
Use strong, unique passwords — ideally generated by a password manager. Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
Step 3: Check for Suspicious Activity
Once you’re back in the account:
- Review your recent logins and connected devices
- Check sent emails or messages
- Look for unfamiliar payment methods or linked apps
Remove anything you don’t recognise.
Step 4: Alert Friends and Services
If your email or social media was used to send spam or scams, let your contacts know so they don’t fall for it.
If financial accounts were involved, contact your bank immediately to flag fraud and prevent further transactions.
Step 5: Scan Your Devices
Run a full antivirus and malware scan on your phone, laptop, or any device you’ve used to access the compromised account. This helps identify and remove any keyloggers or malicious software that may have enabled the hack.
Step 6: Review Your Other Accounts
Hackers often use one compromised account to gain access to others.
Check:
- Banking and payment apps
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
- Online shopping accounts
- Any accounts linked to your email
Step 7: Learn and Prevent Future Attacks
Once things are back under control, take steps to reduce the risk going forward:
- Use a password manager
- Enable 2FA everywhere
- Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments
- Keep your software and antivirus up to date
Not Sure What to Do Next?
If you’re overwhelmed or not confident in fixing things yourself, we’ve got your back.
Dial a Nerd offers remote and in-person support to help secure your accounts, scan your devices, and make sure you’re protected going forward.
Contact us or call 0861 46 3737 for fast, friendly help.
