“Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of the ability to respond to it”-Anonymous.

When faced with a hacking threat, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to react. 

However, by staying calm and taking a few simple steps, you can protect yourself and prevent further attacks.

You are in charge  of your own security and taking action is the best way to keep yourself safe.

If you suspect that you have been hacked, these are some vital steps you should take immediately to protect yourself and your personal information:

1. Change your passwords and Use stronger ones: The hacker may have gotten access to your account by guessing your password. The best response to this should be to change the passwords for all of your accounts, especially those that contain sensitive information. This is because a hackers default action is to try other accounts related to you immediately they got access to one. You should take action by using a strong, unique password for each account.
2. Run a scan: Run a scan of your computer or mobile device using updated antivirus software to detect and remove any malicious software that you must have installed unknowingly thereby causing vulnerability to hack attempts.
3. Update your software: Make sure all of your software, including your operating system and browser, is up to date.
4. Watch for suspicious activity: After you’ve done all of the above, it’s important that you keep monitoring your accounts for any suspicious activity so as to know if any other account has been compromised.
5. Contact your contacts: If you notice that your email or social media accounts have been compromised, “contact your contacts” and let them know that they should not open any suspicious links or messages that appear to come from you. Let them know you suspect suspicious activity so they can keep an eye out for phishing messages or unusual communications so as not fall victim as well. This step is highly relevant.
6. Contact the right people: Inform your internet service provider and the relevant authorities if you believe your personal information has been compromised. If you notice any unauthorized transactions make sure to contact your bank or credit card company to stop further fraud.
7. Educate yourself: Learn more about online security and how to protect yourself in the future. You are the best defense to cyber attacks and this defense comes from what you know.

Remember, it's always better to be proactive and take the necessary steps to protect yourself than to be reactive and try to fix the damage after it has been done but even if the damage has been done you can prevent future reoccurrence.

Did you learn something new? Have ever experienced cyber attack? What was your response? Please, share in the comment session so we can all learn.

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