How can I better protect myself from being hacked?

I get asked this question often.  In my experience, the single most helpful thing to do if you think you may be exposed, is to slow down and not react immediately.  The second thing to do is to shut down your computer completely.

“But Karen, there is a notice on my screen that says something terrible is happening and I need to fix it right now!”

“But Karen, someone called my landline and told me that my computer is slow because it is infected.  And it is slow, so they must be right!”

When something like this happens to us, we become truly worried and want to act fast.  This is what scammers are counting on.

If you take a breath and examine everything carefully, you may get clues that will help you identify what is truly going on.

In the case of a message displayed on your screen, ask yourself:

• Is the tone of the message super dramatic? i.e. “If you don’t act now, you will lose everything!”

• Are there screamingly loud sounds and alarms?

• Are there threatening statements? “The FBI will come to your home if you do not call us now!” “Do not shut down your computer or you will lose all your files!”

• Are there misspellings and/or lots of exclamation marks?

Legitimate companies do not use these sorts of tactics.

In the case of a phone call, ask yourself:

• How did they get my number?

• Can they prove they are really from Microsoft, Apple or any other legitimate company?

• Do they become angry if you say you have to check into it and will call the company directly?

• Do they ask for payment in gift cards or ask you to get a certified check from your bank and give them the information over the phone?

Shutting down your computer may completely shut down the hacker.

That is why they tell you not to.  Even if shutting down the computer doesn’t completely remove the threat, it gives you time to find someone you trust to check it out.

Most people believe they just need more or better security software, but I have found that is most often not the case.  The scammers are con-people and the way they get to your computer (and your money) is through you!

Of course, you should always make sure you have a good security program protecting your devices. But if you know you do, then take what you hear or see with a grain of salt.