I’ve been hacked, how do I figure out what caused it?

How to Investigate and Respond to a Security Breach on Your Online Accounts

Discovering that your online security has been compromised can be alarming. If you suspect that your accounts have been hacked, it’s crucial to take immediate action to identify the source of the breach, assess the extent of the damage, and strengthen your defenses. Here’s a professional guide to help you navigate such a situation effectively.

Understanding the Situation

In many cases, account breaches occur due to a compromised password. For example, using the same password across multiple services significantly increases vulnerability—if one service is breached, attackers can access others. Common signs of compromise include unexpected account deactivations, spam messages from your accounts, or notifications from security tools alerting you to suspicious activity.

In a reported scenario, an individual noticed their social media accounts being deactivated and spam messages containing malicious links appearing from their accounts. They also observed that their email did not receive suspicious login alerts, and they couldn’t recall clicking any malicious links, raising questions about how the breach occurred.

Immediate Steps to Take

Change Your Passwords Immediately
Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Avoid reusing passwords across platforms. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Implement 2FA wherever possible. This adds an additional layer of security, making it harder for attackers to access your accounts even if they have your password.
Audit Your Accounts
Check recent login activities if the service provides access logs.
Review account activity, including sent messages, posted content, and connected applications.
Revoke access for suspicious third-party apps.
Scan Devices for Malware
Run comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware scans on all devices that access your accounts. Malware can capture keystrokes, screen activity, or intercept login information.
Investigate the Source of Infection
Consider recent activities:
Did you click any suspicious links or download files?
Have you visited untrusted websites?
Are there any common links or messages on your social media that could have been malicious?
Check for Signs of Keylogging or Other Malware
Unexpected behavior like spam messages or unusual account activity can be a sign of malware such as keyloggers that capture passwords.