My dad granted access to an unfamiliar individual on the phone via TeamViewer — how concerned should I be?

Title: Protecting Your Tech: What to Do After a Potential Security Breach

In an alarming turn of events, a concerned individual reached out for guidance after their father inadvertently granted remote access to his laptop during a phone call from someone claiming to be from his Internet Service Provider (ISP). This situation raises important questions about online safety and what steps to take if you or someone you know finds themselves in a similar predicament.

The alarming scenario unfolded when the father received a call from an unidentified person, who managed to convince him to use TeamViewer, a legitimate remote access tool, to connect to his computer. He noticed the screen went black for a few minutes during the connection, raising immediate concerns about what might have transpired during that time. Fortunately, he acted quickly and terminated the session, but the lingering worry about potential unauthorized access loomed large.

For those who may not be well-versed in tech matters, it’s essential to understand the risks posed by such situations. Hackers can exploit remote access software to install malicious software, gain control of your system, and access sensitive data. In this case, the concerned child shared their plan of action: disconnect the internet, back up important files, and perform a full factory reset on the device. This multifaceted approach is not only sensible but also a proactive way to mitigate potential risks.

What to Do After a Suspicious Remote Access Granting

Disconnect from the Internet: Immediately severing the internet connection minimizes the risks of further unauthorized access.
Backup Important Files: If possible, save critical documents and files to an external device. However, be cautious not to back up any questionable files that may carry malware.
Conduct a Factory Reset: A factory reset effectively wipes the device of all existing data, including unauthorized software that may have been installed during the connection.
Install Security Software: After resetting the device, ensure you have reputable antivirus software installed to guard against future threats.
Change Passwords: As a precautionary measure, change passwords for all accounts accessed from that device. This is particularly crucial for banking, email, and social media accounts.
Stay Informed and Vigilant: Educating yourself and your family about potential scams and phishing attempts is vital. Remind them to be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages, regardless of who claims to be contacting them.