Security and viruses: solutions for hacked accounts, viruses and scams
Security incidents rarely come with a clear warning. Most often they start with a message that looks like it is from your bank or a colleague, a link you clicked "quickly" or a login to an account you did not make. This category contains practical guides for the most common problems: hacked email and social media, phishing messages, viruses and malware, ransomware, suspicious logins, 2FA and a lost phone, password managers, fake tech support, a hijacked browser and checking whether your data has leaked.
Every article is written step by step, in plain English and without unnecessary jargon, so you can react on your own or describe the problem precisely when you contact IT support. The goal is to stop the damage as quickly as possible, restore access to your accounts and set up basic protection measures that prevent it from happening again.
- Hacked email account: how to restore access and stop abuseIf your email account has been hacked, find out how to quickly restore access, stop abuse, and protect your data and contacts. Medium 30 min
- Clicked on a phishing email: what to do immediatelyClicked a link in a suspicious email? Learn the steps to take right away to protect your account, data and device, and how to prevent damage. Medium 20 min
- Virus or malware on your computer: how to remove it without losing dataLearn how to recognize a virus or malware, safely remove the threat and save your data. Steps for Windows 10 and 11, with recovery tips. Medium 45 min
- Ransomware: first steps when files are encryptedFiles are encrypted and a ransom is demanded? Learn the first steps: disconnect from the network, preserve evidence, check backups, and when to call an expert. Medium 30 min
- Suspicious account login: how to check and secure accessNoticed a suspicious account login? Learn how to check active sessions, secure access and prevent abuse on Google, Microsoft and other accounts. Medium 20 min
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): how to enable it on your accountsTwo-factor authentication protects accounts even when someone learns your password. Learn how to enable it on email, social media, and banking apps. Easy 20 min
- Lost your phone and 2FA access: how to sign inLost your phone and can't complete two-factor authentication? Learn how to regain access to your accounts using backup codes, other devices, and recovery options. Medium 30 min
- Password manager: how to set it up and use it securelyLearn how to securely set up a password manager, choose a master password, enable 2FA, and use it on your computer and phone without risk. Medium 20 min
- Fake tech support: how to recognize a scam and protect yourselfSomeone calls you claiming to be from Microsoft or your operator and asks for access to your computer? Learn how to recognize the scam, what to do if you fell for it, and how to protect yourself. Easy 20 min
- Public WiFi in a cafe and hotel: how to use it safelyLearn how to safely use public WiFi in a cafe or hotel, which risks to avoid, and what steps to take to protect your data and accounts. Easy 10 min
- Have your data been breached: how to check and what to do nextLearn how to check if your data has been breached, what steps to take immediately, and how to protect your accounts after information leaks. Medium 20 min
- Hacked social media account: how to recover itIf your social media account has been hacked, learn step by step how to regain access, notify your contacts, and prevent further account abuse. Medium 30 min