#PR101: You’ve Been Hacked, Now What?
via Klade Group
We’ve seen even the top companies along with the biggest names in media get hacked. It happens sometimes, but the part that matters is most your how quickly and efficiently you handle your recovery. Everyone gets knocked down, but you must come up just as strong. So keep calm and follow these six simple steps to get and keep control of your account.
Change ALL associated account and email passwords immediately If you can still login to your account, this is the absolute FIRST step you should take to block further access and damage to your account. If you can’t login, contact your service provider for password reset assistance. Make sure to double check your recovery email is still correct. If not, change that as well.
Assess the damage What information has been compromised by hacker? There are more personal components to your account than a password. Assess what other sensitive information, including other personal and business accounts, that could also have been accessed and take action.
Scan your computer for malware Most of us are not targets of high profile hackers. Viruses and malware on your computer are usually how passwords and private information are compromised. Run a scan and beware of potentially harmful links and downloads.
Unauthorize Your App and API connections. Most people don’t think of this, but changing your passwords and email may not be enough. Simply changing your login may not block the hacker. So pull the plug on everything and reset! This includes connections on Google, Facebook and Twitter.
Clean up the mess When necessary, advise your clients/customers/friends whose data may have been compromised. Send your apologies, alert them of emails posts that you didn’t send and make sure they know that you are doing all in your power to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Also, let them know if you are making a completely new account.
Start fresh Now that you have recognized your vulnerable points, make smart adjustments and grow stronger. You’ve cleaned up, now keep it sanitized! Use a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers and symbols for more secure passwords and remember to change them periodically. Be sure to avoid these passwords.
Follow these simple steps and you should be well on your way to recovery – and hopefully, it will never happen again.
- See more at: http://kladegroup.com/1592/pr101-youve-been-hacked-now-what/#sthash.u0gXI8Ns.dpuf
