Have you received a scary email saying your computer, your email and/or your passwords have been hacked, and you need to follow instructions to pay up or things will get worse? Stop the madness and read on.
First, calm down. You probably haven't been hacked, there's likely no keylogger installed on your computer, and your porn-surfing habits won't be exposed to the masses. Ok, I'm not saying you surf porn, a lot of these scam messages that are trying to get your attention say so. Key word being "scam".
"But, they showed me my password! And, maybe a photo from my computer! And, the email looks like it came from me!" Yes, it's possible you haven't changed your password in years, and they're showing you one they bought from a list of hacked information - maybe from a bank, an account you set up online, or a web site you gave your email address and password to a long time ago - and, of course, you use the same password all the time. Stop it.
Next, go change your email password(s). Now. Just do it, no matter how painful - or get some help to do it.
Next, go ahead and scan your computer if it it will help you feel better. Try AdwCleaner, Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. See? Nothing but run-of-the-mill adware and spyware.
Lastly, keep your computer up-to-date. Install the Windows Updates, the Ninite updates (more on that in the next post), run CCleaner and some malware scanners on occasion. But don't panic.
Here are some links with more information. Contact me if you'd like help, or reassurance, or both.
Cathy Contant * 315-573-4905 * cathy@cathycom.com
