Finding one of your accounts hacked is very stressful – especially if you are constantly chatting, shopping or saving files with your friends. Instead of dwelling on the problem, you should focus on reducing the consequences.

 Save your money and information, protect your friends from scammers, regain control of your account, and make up for all or at least half of the damage. Then join us to explain how.  

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In many cases, users will first notice that they have been hacked (suddenly unable to log in to their account). In most cases, this is because hackers change the password at the earliest opportunity and block the victim; 

Thus, the control of the stolen account will be completely in their hands. Do not push: You can still do the whole thing: Take a deep breath. 

What matters is the speed of action and the prioritization of your actions.

  • Try resetting your password. If you are fast enough, attackers may not be able to remove your email from your account.
  • As much as possible, let people around you know that your account has been hacked. Keep in touch with your friends and loved ones. Post about it on your virtual networks. If people know that your account has been hacked – if attackers start sending requests in your name (for example, telling everyone in your contact that you have an emergency and need cash) – do not be fooled by scammers. They will eat.
  • Contact your bank or other financial services if the scammers have hacked an account in the payment system or done so on a credit card account.
  • Scan your computer with anti-virus software to make sure there is no malware that can be used to steal your account.
  • Make a list of the most important services related to your hacked account. Remember all the services you logged in to using this account; Also, anyone who sent password reset emails to this account.
  • Try logging in to these services and disconnecting them from the hacked account.
  • Change the password of the relevant accounts as well as any service for which you used the same password. (It is also a good idea to change the security questions for other services if they are exactly the same as those used for the hacked account. However, you must also enable 2-factor authentication).
  • Contact account service support and try to restore access to the hacked account.

What if we receive a notification about suspicious activity?

Many online services warn users if their accounts are used to perform certain actions. These include changing your password, linking your new phone or email address, and logging in to your new device or location. If you have not done so and you are still receiving such a message then you should be concerned.

  • Try logging in to your account but do not use any links in the notification. Phishing messages that require login details can look like official notifications. It is best to enter the address manually in the browser or open the app.
  • If your account allows, check your login history to see if an unfamiliar device or place has not been listed before; If so, remove all other users immediately.
  • Check all your account details including email address, phone number and security questions.
  • Change your password. Make sure it is strong and very different from the previous one. If you are afraid of forgetting your new password, use the password manager to securely store all your passwords.
  • Change the password of all your accounts as well as the passwords of the accounts related to the tampered login (for example, the accounts of all online stores in which you were logged in with the same hacked login).

What if we received a ransom email from hackers?

Sometimes, attackers claim to have taken your account, infected your computer with malware, tampered with your webcam, copied your messages, and so on. Attackers usually demand ransom for not leaking this information. In fact, it is unlikely that anyone hacked your device. 

Scammers are known for sending extortionate letters (of all kinds and under any circumstances). If you want to be on the safe side, change the account password, which is said to be hacked – it’s not a bad idea to do this from time to time. We emphasize, if you think you do not remember the password, use the password manager. We recommend that you install Kaspersky Password Manager .

How can we not fall prey to hackers?

Of course, it is better to block the path of the scammers first. So even if you are not a victim of hacking, make sure your accounts are protected:

  • Use strong and unique passwords.
  • Enable 2-factor authentication.
  • Install a secure security solution on all your devices. It is best to choose a package that not only traps malware but also alerts you to any service leaks.