Do You Have a Hacked Device? Here’s What To Do

Some of us spend so much time on our devices it isn’t uncommon to identify wonky behaviors immediately. This can take the form of having your device’s memory wiped out, messages sent via social media you didn’t write or mysterious apps downloaded among other things. If you notice these trends, then it’s possible you have a hacked device.

Don’t Comply With Demands

If your device has ransomware, you’ll receive a message demanding payment. If you make the payment, then they’ll promise to release your files back to you. While this seems like the quickest play, it isn’t the smartest one either.

Keep in mind there’s no upside for them to return your files. Studies have shown that only half of companies who pay the ransom receive their files back, so it’s clearly not a perfect solution. In addition, the more people who pay, the more incentive there is to run these attacks.

Therefore, it’s important to refrain from acting based on emotions, as that’s what the hackers are banking on you doing.

Study the Characteristics to See What You Have

Similar to working on other problems, a good starting point is to document when the problems arise and what you were doing when they happened. Were you on a website you’ve never been to before when a lock screen virus appeared? Did you add a browser extension?

There are different kinds of ransomware that infect devices with different degrees of severity. If you were looking on a website and it locked the screen, commanding you to make payment for looking at something illegal or filing false tax returns, this is a lock-screen virus. To fix this, simply reboot your system then run an antivirus program which will quarantine the harmful files.

There’s also deceptive measures hackers use such as initiating warning messages. This is when you’ll receive notifications your “hacked device” has viruses on it and you need to download this antivirus program to remove them. All told, this is the hackers’ way to try to bait you into clicking on the link. And if you succumb to their demands, clicking on the link could install ransomware onto your device.

Another form of ransomware encrypts your data. You’ll notice this because you can access certain apps but then when you try to find pictures or documents, you won’t be able to gain access to them. This is the most severe form of ransomware because it prevents you from accessing some of your files.

By creating a documented history, it can help you find the cause of the effect. It will also prove immensely beneficial if you decide to have a data recovery expert examine your device.

How Do I Fix My Hacked Device?

You can install antimalware software and reboot in safe mode. However, this will only ensure anything you do moving forward won’t be compromised. It isn’t a fail-safe solution to regaining access to the files ransomware encrypted. For this, you’ll need data recovery specialists.

The team at Salvage Data has multiple ways for you to recover your data. We offer a remote software solution whereby you can access the software and recover the files you want efficiently.

We also provide an option where you ship us your device. From there, we’ll provide a no-obligation, free quote, so you have all the options available to you. And if you decide to use our services, you can save 10% through the month of July by using the promo code SAVE10 at checkout.

Overall, having a hacked device doesn’t have to be the end for your compromised files. Allow the team at Salvage Data to help you recover the files you want in a secure and professional manner.