My laptop was hacked recently. The hacker successfully penetrated McAfee's internet security disabled the real-time protection, antivirus, and VPN. They are remotely controlling my laptop every time I connect to the internet. What can I do?

 

If your laptop has been compromised and is being remotely controlled, it’s crucial to take immediate action. 

1. Disconnect from the Internet:

   •  Isolation.
   • Disconnect your laptop from the internet (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) to prevent the hacker from accessing it further.

2. Boot into Safe Mode:

   •  Safe Mode.
   • Restart your laptop and boot into Safe Mode. This will load a minimal version of your operating system, which can help disable any malicious software.

3. Run Antivirus/Malware Scans:

   • Keyword: Malware removal.
   • Use an antivirus program or a dedicated malware removal tool (like Malwarebytes) to scan for and remove any malicious software. Ensure you are running this in Safe Mode.

4. Check for Unwanted Programs:

   •  Uninstall suspicious software.
   • Go to your Control Panel and review installed programs. Uninstall any unfamiliar or suspicious applications.

5. Change Passwords:

   •  Account security.
   • Change passwords for all accounts, especially those related to email, banking, and other sensitive services. Use a different device to do this if possible.

6. Enable Firewall:

   •  Network protection.
   • Ensure your firewall is enabled. This can help block unauthorized access while you troubleshoot.

7. Update Your Software:

   •  Software updates.
   • Ensure your operating system and all software, including antivirus programs, are up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.

8. Use a Different Device:

   •  Alternative access.
   • If you need to access sensitive accounts or information, use a different, secure device that you know is not compromised.

9. Restore to Previous Point:

   •  System restore.
   • If the problem persists, consider restoring your system to a previous restore point before the hack occurred.

10. Seek Professional Help:

• Cybersecurity experts.
• If you cannot resolve the issue, consider consulting a cybersecurity professional or technician for assistance in removing the hacker's access and securing your system.

11. Reinstall Operating System:

• Clean installation.
• As a last resort, consider performing a clean installation of your operating system to remove any lingering malware and ensure complete security.

Taking these steps can help regain control of your laptop and secure it against further attacks.