This article provides essential steps for securing your Tithely account. It focuses on recovering from a phishing scam. Readers will learn how to limit damage and restore their account's security.
Immediate Actions:
- Disconnect from the Internet: If you clicked on a suspicious link or downloaded an attachment, immediately disconnect your device from the internet (unplug ethernet, turn off Wi-Fi). This can prevent malware from spreading or sensitive information from being transmitted.
- Change Passwords (Strong, Unique, and Everywhere):
- Change the password for the account that was compromised (e.g., if it was an email phishing scam, change your email password).
- Change passwords for any other accounts where you used the same or a similar password. This is crucial because scammers often try compromised credentials on other popular sites.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider a password manager to help you generate and store complex passwords securely.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) / Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Wherever possible, enable 2FA on all your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second verification step (like a code from your phone) even if your password is stolen.
Assess and Secure Your Devices:
- Scan Your Devices for Malware: Run a full scan using reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on any device you used to access the compromised account or that might have been affected. If you don't have one, download one from a trusted source (using a different, uncompromised device if necessary).
- Backup Your Files: If you suspect malware, back up your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage (after scanning for malware) in case your data is erased during remediation.
Monitor and Report:
- Contact Affected Organizations Immediately:
- Banks/Financial Institutions: If you provided financial information (bank account, credit card numbers), contact your bank and credit card companies immediately. They can monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, freeze cards, and help reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Email Provider/Other Services: If an email or other online account was compromised, contact the service provider's support.
- Impersonated Company: If the phishing email impersonated a legitimate company, inform that company so they can warn other customers.
- Monitor Your Accounts for Suspicious Activity:
- Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
- Review all your online accounts (email, social media, shopping, etc.) for unusual logins, activity, or changes.
- Consider enrolling in credit monitoring services to be alerted of any new accounts opened in your name.
- Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) to place a free 90-day fraud alert on your credit report. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
- Report the Incident:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, especially if you lost money or believe your identity has been stolen. They can provide a recovery plan.
- Email Provider: Forward phishing emails to your email provider (e.g., Google, Outlook) to help them block similar scams.
- Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG): You can also report phishing emails to reportphishing@apwg.org.
- Local Law Enforcement: If you've experienced significant financial loss or identity theft, you may want to file a police report.
Long-Term Prevention:
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and cybersecurity best practices. Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls, and always verify requests for personal information.
Keep Software Updated: Ensure your operating system, web browser, and all software are up to date, as updates often include security patches.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the impact of a phishing scam and strengthen your overall online security.