Bad actors use cyberattacks to access, damage, or steal your information, data, and devices. These attacks pose a threat to both your financial and personal information, and it’s important to recognize an attack and the steps you should take to minimize their impact.
What Does a Cyber Attack Look Like?
Bad actors and hackers can:
Access your phones, gaming systems, personal computers, smart home devices, medical equipment, Bluetooth-connected devices, and network
Access your accounts to steal your money and identity
Block your access to your own personal information and accounts
Destroy your data and devices
If You Think You Have Been Attacked or Your Accounts Have Been Compromised …
Disconnect your device from the internet
Let your employer know about the attack
Check your financial accounts for unrecognized activity
Check your credit report for new accounts or loans
Contact your financial institutions — banks, credit card companies, and lenders — to report unauthorized charges and place holds on affected accounts
Report emails asking for your private information
Change your passwords IMMEDIATELY
Take your device to a professional to scan it for potential viruses
Let the proper local, state, and federal authorities know if you have been impacted by a cyber attack