Surviving a Cyber Attack: What I Learned from Being Hacked

This blog post chronicles my harrowing experience, the lessons I learned, and crucial tips on avoiding similar pitfalls.

It all started with my mistake. I received a folder from my wedding photographer containing some of my wedding videos. Unfortunately, some of the videos were corrupt and wouldn't play. Desperate to fix these cherished memories, I Googled for solutions and came across a recommendation to download a particular software. In my haste, I followed the link provided.

Source: Adobe Firefly

The Ordeal

During the installation, the instructions asked me to turn off my antivirus. I didn't think much of it and complied. After installing the software and turning the antivirus back on, the videos still didn’t work. Frustrated, I gave up for the night.

The next day, I tried again with some YouTube tutorials, but still had no luck. So, I uninstalled the software and thought that was the end of it. The following morning, I received critical warning emails from my email accounts, asking me to verify my identity and reset my password. I found it odd but didn't immediately understand why this was happening.

When I opened my laptop, I noticed some new browser extensions on Chrome and Edge that I had never installed. I couldn't turn them off or remove them. 

The message said these extensions were "installed by my organization," which was strange because this is my personal laptop. The browsers were now "managed by an organization," allowing this supposed organization to read and collect everything I did online.

I began to suspect I had been hacked. I installed Malwarebytes and scanned my laptop, discovering over 20 pieces of malware and trojans. My regular antivirus had missed these threats during its daily scans. I quarantined and removed the malware, but the real problems were just beginning.

The Nightmare

In the days that followed, I received alerts about my compromised social media accounts. My Instagram was hacked and used to spam and follow over 200 random accounts. My LinkedIn and Facebook profiles were locked, and I faced a temporary ban on Telegram. 

My Twitter was also hacked. All my email accounts—Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook—logged me out and asked for identity verification, despite having 2FA enabled.

My husband, who also uses my laptop, was affected too. His Facebook and LinkedIn accounts were hacked, with the attacker changing his email and password, then messaging people asking for money. It was a nightmare.

Every day, I spent hours trying to fix and recover my accounts. The stress was overwhelming, affecting my ability to eat and sleep. I reached out to the helpdesks of various social media platforms, and they provided solutions. 

The biggest help, however, came from ChatGPT. I described my problems, and the AI provided detailed steps and solutions that actually worked.

For the next 10 days, I was constantly on alert for compromised accounts. Even my PayPal account was hacked, but fortunately, they locked it before any damage was done. It was a horrible time. All my data, passwords, and usernames were compromised.

The Solution

Eventually, things began to settle. My antivirus provided details about the attack, revealing it was caused by "Stealc Stealer," a malware designed to steal information from browsers, messaging software, cryptocurrency wallets, and other apps. Unlike other viruses, this one operates silently, making it hard to detect.

Thankfully, with the help of antivirus and anti-malware software, along with YouTube tutorials and ChatGPT, I managed to remove the malware without having to format my laptop. I am hopeful that this nightmare is finally over.

Why Did It Happen?

Reflecting on the series of events, here are the primary reasons why my laptop was hacked and my data was compromised:

Source: Adobe Firefly

1. Downloading Software from Untrusted Sources

   - I downloaded software from an unverified source in a moment of desperation. This software was likely the carrier of the malware.

2. Disabling Antivirus Protection

   - Following the software's instructions, I disabled my antivirus, which left my system vulnerable to threats. Antivirus software is designed to protect against exactly these kinds of risks.

3. Lack of Verification

   - I didn't thoroughly research the software or its source. A quick verification or a look at reviews could have indicated that the software was malicious.

4. Ignoring Security Warnings

   - I overlooked security warnings and unusual activities on my laptop initially. These early signs should have prompted immediate action.

5. Inadequate Multi-layer Security

   - Relying solely on one antivirus program proved insufficient. Additional layers of security like anti-malware programs or firewalls might have detected the threat earlier.

6. Human Error and Desperation

   - My desperation to fix my wedding videos led to poor decision-making. Emotional responses can cloud judgment and lead to risky actions.

7. Delayed Reaction

   - After noticing suspicious activities, my response was not immediate. Faster action could have limited the extent of the damage.

8. Unfamiliarity with Advanced Threats

   - I was not fully aware of advanced threats like information-stealing malware. These sophisticated threats can bypass basic security measures and require more advanced protections.

9. Lack of Regular System Checks

   - Regular system and security checks were not in place. Routine scans and checks can catch and prevent infections before they cause significant damage.

10. Shared Device Usage

    - Sharing my laptop with my husband without proper user management meant that the compromise affected multiple accounts, increasing the overall damage.

10 Things I Learned from Being Hacked

Source: Adobe Firefly

1. Always Verify Software Sources

   - Only download software from official or well-known sources. Avoid third-party sites or links from unverified sources.

2. Never Disable Antivirus Software

   - Disabling your antivirus, even temporarily, opens your system to threats. Trust your antivirus and seek alternatives if it blocks a download.

3. Be Cautious with Desperation

   - Desperation can lead to hasty decisions. Take a moment to verify and research before downloading or installing anything.

4. Regularly Update Security Software

   - Ensure your antivirus and anti-malware programs are up-to-date. New threats emerge constantly, and updates provide necessary protections.

5. Use Multi-layered Security

   - Rely on more than one layer of protection. Combining antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall tools enhances your defense.

6. Monitor Browser Extensions

   - Regularly check your browser extensions. Unfamiliar extensions can be a sign of malware. Remove any that you didn't install.

7. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

   - Enable 2FA on all accounts where possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain access.

8. Regular Backups

   - Regularly back up your important data. In case of a malware attack, you can restore your system to a previous state without losing valuable information.

9. Stay Informed About Cybersecurity

   - Keep yourself updated on cybersecurity threats and best practices. Awareness is a key tool in preventing attacks.

10. Seek Help Immediately

    - If you suspect a security breach, act quickly. Seek help from cybersecurity experts, trusted online resources, and reliable software solutions. Prompt action can minimize damage.

Conclusion

Reflecting on this ordeal, I realized how a few seemingly insignificant decisions can lead to major cybersecurity breaches. This unfortunate experience highlighted the importance of stringent cybersecurity practices. It was a hard lesson, but it has made me more vigilant and aware of the numerous risks that exist in the digital world.

Staying informed and prepared can prevent a lot of headaches and potential data loss. By sharing my experience, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of digital security and provide practical advice to help others avoid similar pitfalls. 

Always verify your sources, never disable your antivirus, and stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats. These precautions can save you from a lot of stress and potential data loss.

Key Takeaways

• Only download software from official or well-known sources. 
• Avoid third-party sites or links from unverified sources.
• Disabling your antivirus, even temporarily, opens your system to threats. 
• Trust your antivirus and seek alternatives if it blocks a download.
• Take a moment to verify and research before downloading or installing anything.
• Ensure your antivirus and anti-malware programs are up-to-date. 
• Rely on more than one layer of protection. 
• Combining antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall tools enhances your defense.
• Regularly check your browser extensions. 
• Unfamiliar extensions can be a sign of malware. Remove any that you didn't install.
• Enable 2FA on all accounts where possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain access.
• Regularly back up your important data. In case of a malware attack, you can restore your system to a previous state without losing valuable information.
• Keep yourself updated on cybersecurity threats and best practices. Awareness is a key tool in preventing attacks.
• If you suspect a security breach, act quickly. 
• Seek help from cybersecurity experts, trusted online resources, and reliable software solutions. 
• Prompt action can minimize damage.

Have you ever experienced a cybersecurity breach or similar digital nightmare? Share your story in the comments below and let us know how you managed to recover from it!

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla  in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.