You've Been Hacked. It Sucks. Now What?

Clicked a bad link? Something feels off? Don't panic. Step-by-step recovery: disconnect, change passwords, run a scan, and get back in control.

It happens to everyone, even people who know better.

Maybe you clicked a link from someone you trust. Maybe emails stopped sending. Maybe passwords suddenly feel "off." If your gut says something is wrong, you are not alone, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Let's slow down and fix it step by step.

Step 1: Disconnect from Wi‑Fi

First thing: unplug from the internet. This stops the hacker from doing more damage while you sort things out.
  • Turn off Wi‑Fi on your laptop, phone, or tablet.
  • If possible, unplug your computer from the modem/router.

Think of Wi‑Fi like the front door to your home. If someone's inside who shouldn't be, you close and lock that door fast.

Step 2: Change your passwords

Start with your email and banking accounts — and anything else important.
  • Use strong, unique passwords you haven't used before.
  • Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever possible — that's the extra step where you confirm your login with a text or app.

Important: If you suspect someone might be tracking what you type (keylogging), change your passwords from a different device, like your phone.

Step 3: Run a full virus scan

Let's see if something's hiding on your computer.
  • Windows: Microsoft Defender is built in. Open Windows Security and run a Full Scan (not just a quick one).
  • Mac: Use the built-in XProtect, or install a trusted antivirus like Malwarebytes.
  • Run the scan and be patient — it might take a while. It's worth it.

Step 4: Check your Wi‑Fi network

Once your device is scanned and cleaned, look at your home network:

  • Log into your router (usually in your web browser — check the sticker on the router for the address).
  • See which devices are connected. Are there any you don't recognize?
  • Reset your router's Wi‑Fi password to be safe.

Step 5: If the problem doesn't go away

Sometimes malware is stubborn. If your device still feels weird, slow, glitchy, or unsafe:

  1. Back up important files — photos, documents, anything you care about.
  2. Wipe your system clean and restore from a known good backup.

That sounds intense, we know. But it's doable — and a trusted tech helper can walk you through it step by step.

You're not alone

You're not the first person to get hacked. And you won't be the last. But this doesn't have to be the end of the world. Sometimes a hack becomes the moment where everything clicks, and better digital habits begin.

  • Take it one step at a time.
  • Don't panic — just work through the list.
  • If you're stuck or need a friendly voice to talk it through, we're here.

Quick tips

  • Email and banking first — change those passwords before anything else.
  • Use 2FA — two-factor authentication adds a big layer of protection.
  • When in doubt, ask — a family member or tech support can help you through it.