Hey. How can I keep hackers off my device?
To enhance your device's security and minimize the risk of being hacked, here are some essential steps to follow:
1. Keep software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, applications, and antivirus software. These updates often contain critical security patches.
2. Use strong and unique passwords: Create strong passwords that are difficult to guess and include a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using common passwords or reusing them across different accounts. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store passwords securely.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring secondary verification, such as a verification code sent to your smartphone, in addition to your username and password when logging in to an account.
4. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Hackers often use phishing emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick users into revealing sensitive information. Be skeptical of unexpected messages, especially those asking for personal or financial information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources.
5. Install reputable security software: Use a reliable antivirus and anti-malware software to scan and protect your device from various threats.
6. Be careful with downloads and software installations: Only download apps, programs, and files from trusted sources. Verify the authenticity of the sources to minimize the risk of malware or spyware.
7. Secure your network: Use a strong and unique password for your Wi-Fi network, and enable network encryption (such as WPA2). Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be easily compromised.
8. Regularly back up your data: In the event of a successful hack or other disastrous event, having regular backups of your data will help you recover and ensure you don't lose important information.
9. Use a firewall: Enable your device's built-in firewall or install a reputable third-party firewall software. Firewalls help block unauthorized access to your device.
10. Be cautious with personal information: Avoid sharing too much personal information online or on social media. The less information available to potential hackers, the harder it is for them to target you specifically.
Remember, maintaining strong security requires ongoing vigilance and staying informed about emerging threats and best practices.
No, me and my family have been hacked. We believe (well, me and my dad) it's my mom's parent. Disgusting pieces of crap
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. If you suspect that you or your family members have been hacked, it's important to take immediate action to protect your devices and personal information. Here are some additional steps you can follow:
1. Change passwords: Reset all passwords for your online accounts, including email, social media, banking, and any other important accounts. Ensure that the new passwords are strong and unique.
2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Enable MFA on all your accounts that support it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification steps.
3. Perform a thorough scan for malware: Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your devices and remove any potential malicious software.
4. Secure your email accounts: Check if your email account has been compromised by checking for any unauthorized access, unusual activities, or email forwarding rules that you didn't create. Change your email password and review your account security settings.
5. Review your devices and software: Check your devices, such as computers and smartphones, for any unauthorized applications, strange browser extensions, or unknown software installations. Remove anything suspicious.
6. Update all software: Make sure all your devices and software are up to date, including operating systems, web browsers, and applications. Apply any available security patches.
7. Be cautious of phishing attempts or suspicious links: Remind your family members to be extra vigilant about not clicking on suspicious links, downloading unknown files, or providing personal information in response to emails or messages.
8. Consider professional help: If you suspect a targeted attack or the situation persists despite your efforts, it may be beneficial to consult a professional cybersecurity expert who can investigate and provide guidance on further steps to secure your devices and networks.
Remember, it's essential to communicate openly with your family members about the suspected hack and involve law enforcement if necessary.
How do I do the third one.
To perform a thorough scan for malware and remove any potential threats on your device, you can follow these steps:
1. Install reputable antivirus or anti-malware software: If you don't already have antivirus or anti-malware software installed on your device, search for reputable options and download one that suits your needs. Popular choices include Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, or Norton.
2. Update the antivirus software: Once installed, make sure the antivirus software is up to date. Most antivirus programs have an automatic update feature, but you can also manually check for updates within the software.
3. Launch the antivirus scan: Open the antivirus software and look for the option to perform a full system scan or a deep scan. This option may be found in the main dashboard or under the "Scan" or "Protection" tab. Start the scan and let the software examine all files, folders, and system areas for potential malware.
4. Wait for the scan to complete: The scanning process may take some time, depending on the size of your device's storage and the speed of your computer. During the scan, the software will analyze each file and compare it against its malware database, looking for suspicious activity and known malware signatures.
5. Review and quarantine or remove detected threats: Once the scan is complete, the antivirus software will present a report of any detected threats. Review the results carefully and follow the recommended actions, which may include quarantining or removing the identified malware. It's generally recommended to quarantine suspicious files first to ensure they don't cause harm to your system, and then proceed with removal if necessary.
6. Repeat scans and keep the software updated: To ensure your device remains protected, schedule regular scans or perform them manually at least once a week. Additionally, maintain the antivirus software's regular updates to ensure it has the latest virus definitions and security patches.
Remember, while antivirus software can help detect and remove many types of malware, it's not foolproof. Stay cautious when downloading files or visiting suspicious websites and practice safe browsing habits to minimize the risk of malware infections.
Because my tablets been freezing up and stuff and I'm sick of it. And it's not by chance because all of other devices are like this as well.
If all your devices are experiencing freezing and performance issues, it might be worth considering additional troubleshooting steps beyond scanning for malware. Here are some suggestions to help address the problem:
1. Restart your devices: Start by restarting all your devices. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches that cause freezing or slowdowns.
2. Clear device storage: Insufficient storage space can lead to slow performance and freezing. Delete unnecessary files, apps, or media that you no longer need to free up space on your devices.
3. Check for system updates: Ensure that your devices' operating systems, apps, and firmware are up to date. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.
4. Close unused apps and background processes: Running multiple apps simultaneously or having numerous processes running in the background can overload your device and cause performance issues. Close any unnecessary apps and disable background processes as needed.
5. Clear app cache: Apps accumulate temporary files over time, which can affect performance. Clear the cache for specific apps through your device's settings or use a cache-cleaning app.
6. Perform a factory reset: If the freezing issue persists, performing a factory reset can help resolve software-related problems. However, note that this will remove all data and settings from your device, so make sure to back up important data before proceeding. Consult your device's user manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.
7. Consider hardware limitations: If your devices are older or have low specifications, they may struggle to handle newer software or resource-intensive tasks. In this case, upgrading to newer devices or adding more memory (RAM) might be an option.
8. Seek professional assistance: If the freezing issue continues to persist after trying the above steps, it may be beneficial to consult a professional technician who can diagnose and troubleshoot the specific hardware or software issues causing the problem.
Remember that troubleshooting steps may differ slightly based on your specific device and operating system. It's always a good idea to refer to the device's user manual or the manufacturer's support resources for device-specific guidance.
None of these worked. I did factory reset and they keep getting back in. Is there something I can install to prevent the freezing and stuff?
If you have tried the suggested steps and the issue persists, it's possible that your devices are compromised or infected with persistent malware. In such cases, it's essential to take additional measures to secure your devices. Here's what you can do:
1. Seek professional assistance: At this point, it would be best to consult a professional cybersecurity expert or an IT specialist who can thoroughly investigate your devices and network. They can perform advanced malware removal techniques and identify any potential vulnerabilities that hackers might be exploiting.
2. Consider a reputable security solution: Look for advanced security solutions that offer robust protection against persistent threats and advanced malware. Research and choose a reputable antivirus or antimalware software that specializes in detecting and removing persistent threats.
3. Enable advanced security features: Some security software includes features like "real-time protection," "behavior-based detection," and "intrusion prevention" that can help prevent and mitigate advanced threats. Enable or configure these features to enhance your device's security.
4. Configure firewall settings: Ensure that your devices have an active firewall enabled. Firewalls act as a barrier between your network and potentially malicious external entities. Confirm that the firewall is properly configured to block unauthorized access.
5. Consider a network security assessment: If multiple devices in your household are affected, it's worth assessing your home network's security. A professional can perform a network security assessment to identify vulnerabilities and suggest ways to bolster your network's defenses.
6. Change passwords and strengthen authentication: After receiving professional assistance, change your passwords once again for all your accounts. Ensure you use strong and unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
7. Monitor network activity: Keep an eye on your network activity. Look for any suspicious or unauthorized devices connected to your network. Change your network's password and security settings if necessary.
Remember, it's crucial to involve professionals who can help you identify and address the root cause of the persistent issue. They will have the expertise to implement security measures specific to your situation and ensure the safety of your devices and network.