How to Check if your PC is Hacked

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of checking if your PC has been hacked. It covers how to identify signs of a potential hack, such as the presence of Remote Access Trojans (RATs) or infostealers, and how to recover from these security breaches. Understanding these steps is crucial for maintaining your computer's security and safeguarding your personal information.

Step 1: Identify Potential Signs of Hacking

Before taking any further actions, it’s important to look for indications that your PC may have been compromised. Common signs include:

• Unexpected System Behavior: Frequent crashes, slow performance, or applications opening and closing on their own.
• Unusual Network Activity: High data usage or unknown programs using the internet.
• Unrecognized Software: Applications that you did not install appearing on your system.
• Disabled Security Software: Antivirus or firewall programs that are turned off without your knowledge.

Step 2: Check for Remote Access Trojans (RATs) or Infostealers

To specifically look for malicious software, follow these steps:

1. Use Sysinternals Tools:

   • Download tools from Sysinternals.
   • Use Process Explorer to view running processes and check for any unfamiliar entries.
   • Look for processes that are using an unusual amount of CPU or network resources.

2. Scan with Antivirus Software:

   • Run a full system scan with your antivirus program.
   • If you suspect a RAT or infostealer, consider using additional malware removal tools for a second opinion.

Step 3: Reset Sessions and Passwords

If you suspect that your system is compromised but the infostealer is not persistent, take immediate action:

• Change Your Passwords:

  • Use a secure device to change passwords for all critical accounts.
  • Ensure that you enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.

• Reset Sessions:

  • Log out of all active sessions on services like Google, Facebook, etc.
  • Remove access to your Google account from unknown devices using the guide here.

Step 4: Reinstall Your Operating System if Necessary

If you determine that you have a persistent infostealer or RAT, the best course of action may be to reinstall your operating system. Here’s how:

1. Back Up Important Data:

   • Before proceeding, back up files you need to keep, but be cautious not to include potentially infected files.

2. Create Installation Media:

   • Use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool or the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool to create installation media.

3. Reinstall Windows:

   • Boot from the installation media and follow the prompts to reinstall the OS.
   • Opt for a complete format of your system drive to ensure all malware is removed.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to check if your PC has been hacked and the necessary steps to take for recovery. Always stay vigilant about your system's behavior, regularly update security software, and practice good password hygiene. If you suspect a serious breach, don't hesitate to take decisive action like a complete OS reinstall. Keeping your system secure is an ongoing process, so always be proactive about your digital safety.