Total Defense makes internet security easy for you and tough on destructive malware. We don’t just protect devices, we protect people.

That sinking feeling is the worst. You try to log into your email or social media, but your password doesn't work. A quick message to a friend reveals that someone has been sending weird messages from your account. You've been hacked. It's a scary moment, but you're not helpless. The most important thing is to act fast. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to recover your hacked account and secure your digital life.

Step 1: Disconnect and Change Everything

First, get the hacker out. If you're still logged in on any device, log out immediately. The quicker you cut off their access, the less damage they can do.

Next, you need to change your password. Go directly to the "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" link on the login page. Do not click on any links in an email you might have received from the hacker—these are often traps.

When you create a new password, make it strong and unique. Don't reuse an old password, and make sure it's not a word you can find in a dictionary. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A good password manager can help you create and store strong passwords for all your accounts.

Step 2: Check for Forwarding Rules and Hidden Backdoors

Hackers are clever. Even after you've changed your password, they might have set up a secret way to regain access. Log in to your account and go straight to the settings page. Look for anything suspicious.

• Email: Check your email forwarding rules. Hackers often set up a rule to forward your emails to their own address, so they can keep tabs on you. Delete any forwarding rules you didn't create.
• Social Media: Look for connected apps or authorized devices you don't recognize. Remove any that you didn't personally approve. This is especially important for social media, where a malicious app could be posting on your behalf or collecting your data.

Step 3: Tell Your Contacts and Warn Everyone

Once you've secured your account, it's time to let your network know what happened. Send an email or a quick social media post (if you have control of your account) to your friends and followers. Tell them your account was hacked and to ignore any strange messages or requests they might have received from you. This simple step can prevent the hacker from scamming your friends or spreading malware to others.

Step 4: Add Extra Internet Security

Now that you've recovered, it's time to prevent this from happening again. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is your best friend here. It adds a second layer of security to your account, so even if a hacker gets your password, they can't get in without a code from your phone or another device.

By acting quickly, being thorough, and taking a few proactive security steps, you can recover from a hack and make your online life much safer.

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