Ransomeware paranoia

[CompatibleIPAD]

Recently I was blackmailed by ransomeware on my computer and everytime I would log onto my computer there would be a big doc saying pay this amount of money or your information will get leaked. As soon as I saw this message I changed every password that was on the computer and also unsynced all the passwords etc… the malware was being controlled by a person as they actively took over my mouse and keyboard to type to crypto address they wanted me to send money to. They also managed to gain admin and lock me out of using settings and factory reset as it would just boot up the computer without resetting, I also had explicit pictures of myself that they threatened to send to my school. I managed to access safe mode and give myself local admin, and through local admin I was able to factory reset the computer. As soon as it finished resetting I wiped my second drive clean, and checked my main drive for any malware and nothing came up. I set secure passwords required for the admin and local user, I haven’t seen the message pop up and I did this today. I don’t know if there is anything else I should do please let me know as I am very paranoid. (When resetting I deleted all my data)

It is important to note that I never logged into any social media so the hacker doesn’t have access to my social media. But I did use the computer to do school work so it had my school email. 

They also gave me a time limit of 3 days to send the money or they would leak the information (before reset)

[AdvancedSetup]

Good day @CompatibleIPAD

One should do a CLEAN install of Windows that includes removing all partitions and install by USB boot disk. Then I'd reset ALL passwords once again

 

Greg Carmack - MVP 2010-2020 -Clean Install Windows 10
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_install/clean-install-windows-10/1c426bdf-79b1-4d42-be93-17378d93e587

How to Create a Local Account While Setting Up Windows 10
https://www.howtogeek.com/442792/how-to-create-a-local-account-while-setting-up-windows-10/

 

Perform clean install of Windows 11 in six different ways
https://pureinfotech.com/clean-install-windows-11/

How to Perform a Clean Install Windows 11
https://www.groovypost.com/howto/clean-install-windows-11/

 

Then afterwards take precautions to help prevent it from happening again

 

Recommend using a Password Manager for all websites, etc. that require a password. Never use the same password on more than one site.

1. https://www.howtogeek.com/240255/password-managers-compared-lastpass-vs-keepass-vs-dashlane-vs-1password/
2. Make sure you're backing up your files https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/136226-backup-software/
3. Keep all software up to date - PatchMyPC - https://patchmypc.com/home-updater#download
4. Keep your Operating System up to date and current at all times - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-faq-8a903416-6f45-0718-f5c7-375e92dddeb2
5. Further tips to help protect your computer data and improve your privacy: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/258363-tips-to-help-protect-from-infection/ 
6. Please consider installing the following Content Blockers for your Web browsers if you haven't done so already. This will help improve overall security

Malwarebytes Browser Guard

•   Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/malwarebytes-browser-guar/ihcjicgdanjaechkgeegckofjjedodee
•   Microsoft Edge: https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413298736787-Install-Malwarebytes-Browser-Guard-on-Microsoft-Edge-browser
•   Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/malwarebytes/

uBlock Origin

• Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm 
• Microsoft Edge: https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin/odfafepnkmbhccpbejgmiehpchacaeak 
• Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin

 

Further reading if you like to keep up on the malware threat scene: Malwarebytes Blog  https://blog.malwarebytes.com/

Hopefully, we've been able to assist you with correcting your system issues.

Thank you for using Malwarebytes

 

[Maurice Naggar]

Glad we could help.

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