How to deal with Hackers.

At Digi-Me-Bobs we are currently seeing more and more devices that have been hacked. We want to reach out to our customers and the wider community with an aim to provide you with some knowledge on how to deal with hackers.  Please read the information below.  If you are worried or concerned that any of your devices have been hacked don’t panic.  Contact us as soon as you can and we will do everything we can to help with your situation.

What is hacking?

Hacking occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to your laptop or computer, mobile phone or tablet. Hackers can have a variety of motives, but unfortunately it is often malicious. If they gain access to your device, they usually are after personal or account information for financial gain.

How do hackers get into your computer?

Hackers use a variety of methods to gain access to your devices. Some of the most common ways they target individuals include the following:

• Tech support scams: Hackers often claim to be a computer technician with a well-known company.  They will imply that there is a problem with your computer and ask for remote access to fix it.
• Pop-up windows that will appear on your screen.  These often look like error messages or antivirus software. The messages typically include a number to call for help.

It’s worth remembering that real tech companies won’t ask you to call a number in a pop-up message or click on a link for help.

• Phishing: This involves either emails or text messages that typically appear to come from legitimate organisations.  They will request or prompt you to click on a link within the message. Those links either connect to fake websites or contain malware that can infect your device. Their goal is to get hold of your account numbers, login credentials, or other sensitive information to access or steal your identity.
• ‍Fake wireless access points: Hackers can create fake wireless access points.  These take advantage of people who use FREE public WiFi. If you connect to a wireless access point that a hacker has set up, they can steal your online account usernames and passwords or even take full control of your device.

How do you know if your device has been hacked?

Here are some signs that may confirm that a device has been hacked;

• Frequent pop-up windows with prompts to click on links or visit unusual websites
• Inability to shut down or restart your computer
• Runs out of battery life quickly
• Changes to your home page
• Unknown programs that run when you start your computer
• Programs automatically connecting to the Internet
• Emails you didn’t write are sent from your account
• Changes to your account passwords

What to do if your computer is hacked

The sooner you act the better;

• Disconnect your computer from the Internet. This is to stop the hacker from accessing your computer remotely.
• Shut down your computer. To prevent any further damage to it and to limit access to your files.
• Get legitimate techncial support. To identify whether your computer has been infected by a firus or malware and to repair the damage. Don’t try to fix it yourself. Your computer’s hard drive may need to be removed. Data on the drive will need to be backed up onto another drive. The operating system may also need to be re-installed.
• Change your passwords. Hackers can access your email and online accounts. If you keep your login credentials saved at the sites you visit you’ll need to change all of them. It’s a good idea to set up two-factor authentification for all of your online accounts. This will require you to use another verification method such as a text message with a code you’ll need to enter in addition to your username and password.  This makes it harder for hackers to access your accounts.
• Notify your bank. Let your bank know about any unauthorised transactions. If hackers gained access to your credit or debit card numbers, cancel them and request new cards.

Even if you stop hackers from accessing your computer remotely or remove any viruses, you have to remain vigilant.

How to make it harder for someone to hack you

• Review your accounts regulary. Sign up with your bank and credit card providers to receive transaction alerts.
• Don’t click on links in emails or text messages. (Unless you know the sender and are fully aware of what the link is for) Check first, if in doubt DON’T.
• Hang up on tech support calls. (Or on any unsolicited calls requesting your personal information, access to your computer or immediate payment through a wire transfer, gift card purchase or other unusual form of payment).
• Protect your devices. (Install or check the antivirus software on your computer. Turn on automatic updates to keep your computer’s software up to date. Make sure the Internet browser you use is the latest version. With your smartphone, run any operating system updates as soon as you get reminders to do so. Only download apps from trusted sources, such as the Apple App and Google Play stores, and keep downloaded apps updated. Most importantly, create a strong passcode to access your phone so thieves won’t be able to get into it if it is lost or stolen.
• Try and refrain from useing public Wi-Fi to log into your email, online accounts or social media accounts. If hackers have tampered with the wireless access point, they can gain access to those accounts and do lots of damage.
• Back up your device. (On to a USB flash drive and on the cloud). If you have a PC with Microsoft, you can download the free OneDrive desktop app to automatically sync your documents and folders to a cloud storage system. If you have a Mac, you can use the iCloud Drive. You also can use apps like Dropbox to store files to the cloud.

If you’re worried or concerned you have been hacked don’t panic.  Bring your device into us, the sooner you act the better.  Unfortunately this is a common occurence now, don’t be embarrassed and you don’t need to tell us what you’ve clicked on, our customer privacy and data protection is paramount to our business.

Contact us: Contact Digi-Me-Bobs