Tip 23: WHAT IF YOU HAVE BEEN VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT

What to do:

  • Immediately change all passwords and security/identity questions and responses.
  • Start with the financial services you use first.
  • Use a password manager and never use the same password for 2 sites, or reuse passwords.
  • Contact companies, including banks, where you have accounts as well as credit reporting companies.
  • Cancel and destroy compromised credit cards, apply for new ones.
  • Check to make sure the software on all your systems is up to date.
  • Run a scan to make sure your system is not infected
  • Observe if your system is acting suspiciously.
  • If you find a problem, disconnect your device from the internet and perform a full system restore.
  • File a report with the police if you believe there was a financial crime committed or identity theft.
  • Raise awareness and tell your friends – maybe this will help one of them to avoid this situation.

Why do it?
The objective is to identify and contain the breach, and then prevent future breaches. It is a long process, but you will be stronger for it.

Tip 22: START ON A CLEAN SLATE IF YOUR DEVICE IS COMPROMISED

What to do:

  • Disconnect your computer from the internet
  • Shutdown and remove the hard drive
  • Scan the drive for virus, spyware and malware using another computer
  • Backup your personal files
  • Reinstall your hard drive into your PC, then reformat it.
  • Reinstall the OS and install updates
  • Install anti-virus and anti-malware software and install updates
  • Install your applications and install updates
  • Scan your backups for viruses
  • Restore your backups
  • Make a complete backup of this fresh system

Why do it?
These are the steps needed to “un-zombify” your PC. More research may be needed on your part to find out how to perform some of the steps above according to the type of PC or notebook you have. You could also hire someone to do this for you, preferably someone you trust.

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