Tech Tips

15 Things To Do When You’ve Been Hacked

Published

11 months ago

October 22, 2022

ArenaHub

Things To Do When You’ve Been Hacked

Table of Contents

After you’ve been hacked, it’s best to start by asking yourself why it happened in the first place. Asking yourself why is a good place to start from.

Ask yourself basic questions like What was the reason for the breach? If it was your bank account, the answer may be obvious. In other cases, such as e-mail, it can be for a host of reasons — from using it to send spam, to requesting money from your contacts, to getting password resets on other services.

An attacker may even be trying to gain access to your business. Knowing why you were targeted can also sometimes help you understand how you were breached.

Reset Your Passwords:

Immediately change the password on the affected service and any others that use the same or similar password.

And, really, don’t reuse passwords. You should be changing your passwords periodically anyway as a part of routine maintenance. But if you’ve just been hacked, it’s now more urgent.

This is especially true if you reuse passwords or use schemes that result in similar passwords (like 123Facebook, 123Linkedin, 123Google).

Sites can set up password requirements — for example a character length or that a password includes symbols and numbers — but they cannot force people into not reusing the same or similar passwords.

Update and Scan

There’s a possibility that the attacker got in via your machine. Almost all malware is installed by victims themselves, if unknowingly.

And if something nasty is on your computer, you need to get it off before you start a recovery process. Make sure you are running the most recent version of your operating system.

Download a solid anti-virus product and run a scan for malware and viruses that may have been the source of the attack.

This is the most basic thing you can do, so do it now. And moreover, use a brand-name commercial program that you pay for.

Take Back Your Account

Most of the major online services have tools in place to help you get your account back after it has been taken over by someone else.

Here’s how to do that on Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, and Yahoo. Typically, you’re going to need to be able to answer some questions about your account. Facebook has a novel method that relies on friend verification.

Are you using a service not listed here? Typically you can find your way back in by searching for its name plus “account recovery.”

What To Do When I’ve Been Hacked

Check for Backdoors

Smart hackers won’t just get into your account, they’ll also set up tools to make sure they can get back in once you’ve gotten them out.

Once you have your accounts back, you should immediately make sure there isn’t a back door somewhere designed to let an attacker back in.

Check your e-mail rules and filters to make sure nothing is getting forwarded to another account without your knowledge. See if the answers to your security questions were changed, or if those questions themselves have changed.

What To Do When I’ve Been Hacked

Follow the Money

If there is an element of commerce involved in the affected account, thoroughly review any activity on that account.

Verify that no new shipping addresses have been set up on your account, no new payment methods have been added, or new accounts linked.

This is especially true of sites that let you make one-click purchases, or issue payment cards.

Perform a Security Audit on All Your Affected Accounts

Often, one account is simply used as a gateway to another. Your Dropbox account may only be a means to get at something stored there.

Your e-mail might only be a path to your online banking. Not only do you need to secure the account you know was hacked, but you need to check all the others it touches as well.

Reset your passwords on those services, and treat them as if they have been compromised.

What To Do When I’ve Been Hacked

Make a Complete Backup of Your System

Once everything is in pristine condition you should do a complete backup so that if this ever happens again you won’t spend as much time reloading your system.

Using a backup tool that creates a bootable hard drive image as a backup will help speed up future recoveries immensely.

Lock Down Your Credit

It’s bad enough you had your email hacked, but you really don’t want your identity stolen as a result. Services like LifeLock will do this for you for a fee.

However, you can also do it yourself by contacting the three major credit reporting agencies directly. Depending on the state you live in, locking down your credit might be free, provided you’ve filed a police report.

What To Do When I’ve Been Hacked

Isolate Your Computer

In order to cut the connection that the hacker is using to “pull the strings” on your computer, you need to isolate it so it can’t communicate on a network.

Isolation will prevent it from being used to attack other computers as well as prevent the hacker from continuing to be able to obtain files and other information.

Pull the network cable out of your PC and turn off the Wi-Fi connection. If you have a laptop, there is often a switch to turn the Wi-Fi off.

Don’t rely on doing this through software, as the hacker’s malware may tell you something is turned off when it is really still connected.

What To Do When You’ve Been Hacked

Completely Wipe Your Old Hard Drive

Even if virus and spyware scanning reveals the threat is gone, you should still not trust that your PC is malware-free.

The only way to ensure that the drive is completely clean is to use a hard drive wipe utility to completely blank the drive and then reload your operating system from trusted media.

After you have backed up all your data and put the hard drive back in your computer, use a secure disk erase utility to completely wipe the drive.

There are many free and commercial disk erase utilities available. The disk wipe utilities may take several hours to completely wipe a drive because they overwrite every sector of the hard drive, even the empty ones, and they often make several passes to ensure they didn’t miss anything.

It may seem time-consuming but it ensures that no stone is left unturned and it’s the only way to be sure that you have eliminated the threat.

How To Know If My Phone Is Hacked

Reload the Operating System From Trusted Media and Install Updates

Use your original OS disks that you purchased or that came with your computer, do not use any that were copied from somewhere else or are of unknown origin.

Using trusted media helps to ensure that a virus present on tainted operating system disks doesn’t reinfect your PC. Make sure to download all updates and patches for your operating system before installing anything else.

Reinstall Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, and Other Security Software

Before loading any other applications, you should load and patch all your security-related software.

You need to ensure your anti-virus software is up-to-date prior to loading other applications in case those apps are harboring malware that might go undetected if your virus signatures aren’t current

Scan Your Data Backup Disks for Viruses

Even though you are fairly certain that everything is clean, always scan your data files prior to reintroducing them back into your system.

SOURCES

Andy O’Donnell. (2020, September 21) I’ve Been Hacked! Now What? https://www.lifewire.com/ive-been-hacked-now-what-2487230

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How to Disable Driving Mode on iPhone

Published

6 hours ago

September 21, 2023

ArenaHub

How to Disable Driving Mode on iPhone

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Driving Mode on your iPhone is a useful safety feature that helps minimize distractions while you’re behind the wheel. However, there may be times when you need to disable it temporarily or permanently. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to disable driving mode on your iPhone while ensuring your safety on the road.

Step 1: Access Your iPhone Settings

1. Unlock your iPhone using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

2. Locate and tap the “Settings” app on your home screen. It looks like a gear icon.

Disable Driving Mode on iPhone

Step 2: Navigate to the “Do Not Disturb” Settings

3. Scroll down in the Settings menu and tap “Do Not Disturb.”

Disable Driving Mode on iPhone

Step 3: Disable Driving Mode

4. In the Do Not Disturb settings, you’ll see the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” section.

5. Tap “Activate” to access the driving mode settings.

Disable Driving Mode on iPhone

Step 4: Choose How to Disable Driving Mode

6. You have several options:

a. “Automatically“: This will allow your iPhone to enable driving mode when it detects you’re in a moving vehicle. You can turn this off by selecting “Manually.”

b. “When Connected to Car Bluetooth“: If your iPhone is connected to your car’s Bluetooth system, driving mode may activate automatically. To disable this, toggle off the switch.

c. “Manually“: If you prefer to enable and disable driving mode manually, choose this option. This gives you full control.

Disable Driving Mode on iPhone

Step 5: Confirm Your Selection

7. Once you’ve made your choice, tap “Back” to return to the previous screen.

8. Your selection will be saved automatically.

Step 6: Disable Driving Mode Manually

9. If you’ve chosen to disable driving mode manually, you can do so by:

a. Swiping down from the upper-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center.

b. Tap the car icon with the crossed-out phone to turn off driving mode.

Disable Driving Mode on iPhone

Conclusion:

Disabling driving mode on your iPhone is a straightforward process that ensures your safety while driving. Whether you prefer to disable it manually or customize the settings, following these steps will help you stay focused on the road.

Remember, safety should always be a priority when using your iPhone while driving. If you must use your phone, consider using hands-free options like Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay to minimize distractions and keep both your hands on the wheel.

Understanding Motion Detectors: Types, Applications, Advantages, and Potential Vulnerabilities

Published

18 hours ago

September 21, 2023

ArenaHub

Understanding Motion Detectors: Types, Applications, Advantages, and Potential Vulnerabilities

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Motion detectors are electronic devices designed to detect movement within a specified area. They have become integral in various applications, from security systems to energy conservation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of motion detectors, exploring their types, advantages, disadvantages, and even potential security vulnerabilities.

I. Types of Motion Detectors:

A. Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensors:

PIR sensors operate by detecting changes in heat patterns.
Commonly used in security systems and lighting control.

B. Ultrasonic Sensors:

Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to detect motion.
Ideal for occupancy detection in buildings.

C. Microwave Sensors:

Microwave sensors emit microwave pulses to identify movement.
Widely employed in industrial and commercial settings.

D. Dual Technology Motion Sensors:

Combining PIR and microwave for improved accuracy.
Suitable for high-security applications.

II. Technologies Used in Motion Detection:

A. Sensor Technology:

Different sensor types with varying capabilities.
Understanding sensing range and detection angles.

B. Signal Processing:

Signal amplification and data analysis for reliable detection.

III. Factors Affecting Motion Detection:

A. Environmental Factors:

Impact of lighting conditions, temperature, and weather.

B. Installation Considerations:

Correct mounting height, angle, and sensor placement.

C. False Alarms:

Common causes and strategies to reduce false alarms.

Smart Home Motion Detector

IV. Advantages of Smart Motion Sensors:

A. Enhanced Security: Motion detectors play a pivotal role in modern security systems, alerting homeowners and authorities to potential intruders.

B. Energy Efficiency: Smart motion sensors can control lighting and HVAC systems, reducing energy consumption.

C. Automation: Motion sensors enable automation in homes and workplaces, improving convenience.

D. Cost Savings: By optimizing energy use and reducing false alarms, motion detectors can save money in the long run.

V. Disadvantages of Smart Motion Sensors:

A. False Positives: Environmental factors can trigger false alarms.

B. Privacy Concerns: In certain applications, such as surveillance, privacy issues may arise.

C. Vulnerabilities to Hacking: Smart motion sensors, like any IoT device, can be vulnerable to hacking attempts.

VI. Detecting Hacks and Strengthening Security:

A. Regular Updates: Keep your motion sensor firmware up to date to patch vulnerabilities.

B. Secure Network: Use strong passwords and a secure Wi-Fi network.

C. Intrusion Detection: Employ intrusion detection systems to monitor unusual activity.

D. Disable Unused Features: Turn off unnecessary functionalities to reduce the attack surface.

Conclusion:

Motion detectors have evolved significantly, offering a wide range of benefits across industries. However, they are not without their drawbacks and security concerns. By understanding these devices and their potential vulnerabilities, users can make informed decisions to enhance both their safety and privacy. Stay vigilant, stay secure.

Secure Your Home with Smart Door Locks: An Overview

Published

23 hours ago

September 21, 2023

ArenaHub

Secure Your Home with Smart Door Locks: An Overview

Table of Contents

In the ever-evolving landscape of home security, smart door locks have emerged as a revolutionary solution. These cutting-edge devices combine convenience with enhanced security features, allowing homeowners to control and monitor access to their properties like never before.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of smart door locks, explaining how they work, their key features, benefits, considerations, installation, security, and privacy concerns, real-world use cases, and future trends. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-informed and ready to make an educated decision about integrating smart door locks into your home security setup.

How Smart Door Locks Work

Smart door locks are composed of several key components, including a lock mechanism, control panel, connectivity module, and power source. These locks can connect to the internet and other devices through methods like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee, enabling remote access and control via smartphone apps or web interfaces.

Key Features of Smart Door Locks

Smart door locks offer an array of features that set them apart from traditional locks. Biometric authentication, smartphone app integration, voice control, and access logs with real-time notifications are just a few examples. Discover how these features can enhance your security and convenience.

Smart Door Locks 2023

Benefits of Smart Door Locks

Enhanced security, convenience, integration with home automation systems, and energy efficiency are some of the key benefits of smart door locks. Learn how these advantages can transform your home security experience.

Considerations When Choosing a Smart Door Lock

Selecting the right smart door lock involves assessing compatibility with your existing door hardware, security features, power source, and budget. We’ll guide you through the decision-making process.

Installation and Setup

Decide whether to opt for a DIY installation or hire a professional locksmith. We’ll also explain how to pair your smart lock with a smartphone and manage user access.

Security and Privacy Concerns

Understanding potential vulnerabilities, and data privacy issues, and having backup plans are crucial for maintaining the security of your smart door lock.

Real-world Use Cases

Explore how smart door locks are applied in residential settings, commercial properties, and businesses to enhance access control and security.

Advantages of Installing Smart Door Locks

1. Enhanced Security:

Smart door locks offer advanced security features, such as encryption, tamper alerts, and the ability to grant temporary access to trusted individuals, making it harder for intruders to break in.

2. Convenience:

You can unlock your door remotely, share digital keys with family members and guests, and eliminate the need for physical keys, providing unparalleled convenience.

3. Integration with Home Automation:

Smart locks can be seamlessly integrated with other smart home devices like security cameras, lights, and thermostats, allowing you to create a comprehensive home automation system.

4. Access Logs:

Smart locks maintain detailed access logs and send real-time notifications to your smartphone, providing you with complete control and awareness of who enters and exits your home.

5. Energy Efficiency:

Many smart locks are designed to be energy-efficient, ensuring long-lasting battery life or alternative power sources.

Disadvantages of Installing Smart Door Locks

1. Initial Cost:

Smart door locks can be more expensive than traditional locks, which might deter some budget-conscious homeowners.

2. Dependency on Technology:

Smart locks rely on technology and power sources, so if there’s a power outage or a technical glitch, you may experience issues accessing your home.

3. Compatibility Concerns:

Ensuring compatibility with existing door hardware is crucial, as not all smart locks fit every type of door.

4. Security Vulnerabilities:

While they offer enhanced security, smart locks are not immune to cyber threats and hacking attempts, which can compromise your home’s safety.

How to Detect Weaknesses and Avoid Hacking

1. Regular Updates:

Keep your smart lock’s firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that patch security vulnerabilities.

2. Strong, Unique Passwords:

Use strong, unique passwords for your smart lock accounts, and avoid using default passwords. Enable two-factor authentication if possible.

3. Secure Wi-Fi Network:

Ensure your home Wi-Fi network is secure with a strong password. Consider setting up a separate network for your smart devices to isolate them from your main network.

4. Monitor Access Logs:

Regularly check the access logs and notifications from your smart lock app to detect any unusual activity.

5. Disable Unnecessary Features:

If your smart lock has features you don’t use, consider disabling them to reduce potential attack vectors.

6. Regularly Review Manufacturer Policies:

Understand how your smart lock manufacturer handles data privacy and security. Ensure they comply with privacy regulations.

7. Physical Backup:

Keep physical keys as a backup in case of technical failures. Some smart locks also offer manual key overrides.

8. Network Security:

Ensure your router’s firewall is enabled and consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.

By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of smart door locks and taking proactive steps to enhance their security, you can enjoy the convenience and peace of mind they offer while minimizing the risk of hacking and vulnerabilities. Smart door locks, when used wisely and securely, can greatly enhance your home’s security and convenience.

Smart Door Locks 2023

Future Trends in Smart Door Locks

Stay ahead of the curve by learning about advancements in biometric technology, integration with AI and machine learning, and sustainability features in future smart door locks.

In conclusion, smart door locks are ushering in a new era of home security. By incorporating these devices into your security setup, you gain not only convenience but also a heightened level of control and awareness over who accesses your home. As technology continues to advance, smart door locks are poised to become even more sophisticated, making them an excellent investment in the long-term security and convenience of your home.

When choosing a smart door lock, remember to consider your specific needs, and don’t hesitate to consult with professionals for installation and setup. Stay updated on the latest trends in this ever-evolving field to make informed decisions that protect your home and loved ones.

Enhance your home security today with a smart door lock, and take the first step towards a safer, smarter future.