Responding to a Hacking Incident: Essential Steps After Falling for a “Test My Game” Scam

In the digital age, protecting our personal information is paramount, and unfortunately, many of us have fallen victim to online scams at some point. Recently, I became a target of the notorious “Test my game” scam, and I want to share my experience in hopes of guiding others who might find themselves in a similar situation.

The Incident

It all started when two old Discord accounts—long-time acquaintances from my online gaming days—reached out to me. They invited me to try out a game they claimed to be developing and provided a link to download it. Trusting my long-standing connections, I made the mistake of executing the file without hesitation. Shortly after, I received a message from a third Discord account sending me a screenshot of their access to my Google account, which was an alarming wake-up call.

Immediate Response

Fortunately, I had access to a backup laptop that allowed me to take swift action. Here’s how I proceeded:

1. Disconnecting from the Internet: I immediately took my primary PC offline to contain any potential damage.
2. Account Security Checks: I logged out of all devices linked to both my Google and Discord accounts.
3. Password Resets: I promptly reset my passwords across various platforms. Since my passwords were saved in Google, this step was crucial.
4. Two-Factor Authentication: Where applicable, I enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) to bolster my account security.

To further ensure my PC’s safety, I performed a clean installation of Windows 11. While this wiped the drive where the operating system resides, I wanted to ensure my files were secure but was unsure about the rest of my drives.

malware Scanning

After the installation, I ran a full scan with Windows Defender and am currently conducting another round. Additionally, I plan to install Avast and Malwarebytes to perform comprehensive malware checks. While my computer remains disconnected from the internet, I’m considering sharing the malware for safer assessment via oblivora dot com.

Questions Moving Forward

While I initially hoped to avoid a complete wipe of all my drives, it may become necessary. I’m inquiring about recommended tools for a thorough wipe if it comes to that.

Also, I’d appreciate any advice on whether I’ve taken sufficient steps to eliminate the malware and secure my accounts.

Conclusion

Experiencing a hack is unsettling, but taking proactive