Security & Safety Resource Center

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.

Think about everything you do on your phone: banking, shopping, social media, work. It holds some of your most sensitive information, from your passwords to your contacts and even your location. For hackers, your phone is a digital goldmine, and they’re always looking for new ways to strike it rich. But don’t worry, you can take some simple steps to fortify your device and keep your personal data safe.

1. Lock It Down with a Strong Passcode

This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s the first and most important step. A simple 4-digit PIN is easy to guess. Opt for a strong, unique alphanumeric passcode—one that’s long and uses a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Even better, use biometric security like a fingerprint or face scan. These are much harder for a hacker to fake.

2. Be an App Inspector

We all love a good app, but not all apps are created equal. Before you download anything, especially from a new or unknown developer, do your research. Check reviews, look at the developer’s website, and most importantly, review the app’s permissions. Does a simple flashlight app really need access to your photos and contacts? If an app asks for more permissions than it needs to function, it’s a big red flag. Stick to official app stores like the Apple App Store and Google Play, which have security measures in place to vet apps before they’re published.

3. Keep Your Software Updated

Those update notifications you get for your phone’s operating system (iOS or Android) aren’t just for new emojis and features. They contain crucial security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers have found. Ignoring these updates leaves your phone exposed and vulnerable. Turn on automatic updates so your phone can stay protected without you having to think about it. It’s like getting a new, stronger suit of armor to defend against the latest threats.

4. Be a Wi-Fi Warrior

Connecting to free public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or airport might seem convenient, but it’s a huge security risk. Many of these networks are not encrypted, which means a hacker can easily intercept the data you send and receive—from your login credentials to your banking information. If you have to use public Wi-Fi, avoid any activity that involves sensitive data. The best solution? Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your connection, creating a secure tunnel for your data and shielding it from prying eyes.

By following these four simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a cyberattack. Your phone is a powerful tool, and by taking these precautions, you ensure it stays a tool for you, not for a hacker.

We’ve all been there: you’re out and about, maybe at a coffee shop, an airport, or a hotel, and you see that glorious “Free Wi-Fi” option. It’s tempting, right? A quick way to check emails, scroll through social media, or even get some work done. But before you connect, it’s crucial to understand a simple truth: public Wi-Fi networks are not created equal. In fact, many are far less secure than you think, and they can pose a real risk to your personal information.

The Risks of Public Wi-Fi

Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network is like having a conversation in the middle of a crowded room. You can talk to your friends, but anyone with a little know-how can listen in. On an unsecured network, your data—like passwords, banking details, and personal messages—can be intercepted by hackers. They might be sitting at the next table, just waiting for someone to log into their bank account or enter a credit card number. This is a common method for cybercriminals to steal sensitive information.

Even if a public Wi-Fi network requires a password, it might still not be secure. A password that’s shared with everyone at a coffee shop or hotel isn’t really a private key. It’s better than nothing, but it still leaves you vulnerable.

Be Your Own Security Guard

So, how can you stay safe in the Wi-Fi wild west? The key is to be your own security guard.

• Assume the Worst. Always assume a public Wi-Fi network is insecure. This mindset will encourage you to take extra precautions.
• Avoid Sensitive Activities. While connected to public Wi-Fi, avoid doing anything that involves personal or financial information. This includes online banking, shopping, and logging into accounts that contain sensitive data. If you have to do something important, switch to your phone’s cellular data connection, which is far more secure.
• Use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is your best friend when using public Wi-Fi. It creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for all your internet traffic, hiding your activity from prying eyes. Think of it as a private, secure lane on the internet highway. Even if a hacker intercepts your data, it will be scrambled and unreadable.
• Enable a Firewall. A firewall is a safety barrier that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. Make sure the firewall on your computer or mobile device is enabled. It can block suspicious connections and stop hackers before they can even get started.

The Safest Way to Connect

The bottom line is to think before you click. Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always safe. By using a VPN, avoiding sensitive activities, and being aware of the risks, you can protect yourself from potential threats.