Have You Been Hacked?

An Ultrex IT Guide to Responding — and Recovering — the Right Way

Let’s start with the good news: not every scary pop-up or flashing screen means you’ve truly been hacked.
But if something feels off — your computer is acting weird, or you suspect someone gained access — don’t ignore it. Quick, calm action can make all the difference.

The Basics: When Your Computer Starts Acting Up

If your screen is flashing, making noise, or even talking to you — don’t panic.
These are often scare tactics, designed to trick you into calling fake “support” lines or granting access to criminals.

Here’s what to do:

🖥️ Step 1: Shut It Down

Hold your power button until the computer turns off. That immediately stops any active connections.

🔁 Step 2: Restart and Check

Many of these fake warnings are just malicious web pages. Restart your computer and turn off website notifications, and disable browser plugins — often, that’s all it takes to make them disappear.

☎️ Step 3: Don’t Call the Number

If a pop-up tells you to “call Microsoft” or “contact support,” don’t.
No legitimate IT provider works that way — ever.

If You’ve Let Someone Remote In

If you’ve allowed remote access to someone you don’t personally know or trust — power off your computer immediately to cut their connection.

Never share passwords, credit card numbers, or account details with anyone over the phone or a remote session unless it’s your trusted IT partner (like Ultrex).

If you think someone had access, contact us right away.
A full system rebuild is often the only way to guarantee your device is truly clean.

Signs You Might Be Compromised

You might have a deeper issue if:

  • Programs are opening or closing on their own
  • Files are missing or have strange names
  • New apps appear that you didn’t install
  • You clicked a suspicious link or installed something you weren’t sure about

If any of that sounds familiar, reach out to Ultrex immediately. We’ll isolate the issue, secure your data, and restore your system the right way.

Advanced Issues: When the Stakes Are Higher

📧 Fell for a Phishing Email?

You’re not alone — it happens to the best of us.
If you or a team member clicked a malicious link or entered credentials into a fake login page, contact Ultrex right away.

We’ll:

  • Disable the compromised account
  • Review activity logs
  • Remove hidden rules or backdoors
  • Document remediation steps (especially important for HIPAA, FINRA, or CMMC compliance)

And if you want to make sure it doesn’t happen again — we can provide Security Awareness Training for your team.

💣 Suspect a Virus or Ransomware Attack?

  1. Disconnect from the internet immediately — unplug Ethernet cables or turn off Wi-Fi.
  2. Call Ultrex. We’ll assess the damage and contain the threat.

Backups are critical here. If you’re an Ultrex client, we already have your systems backed up — both locally and in the cloud — so we can rebuild fast.

If ransomware is confirmed, we’ll coordinate with your cybersecurity insurance provider and start recovery planning. Restoring from clean backups is almost always the safest (and least painful) path forward.

How Ultrex Keeps You Protected

When you work with us, you’re not just buying a fix — you’re getting a partner.
We don’t bill per ticket or per visit, so you can call us as soon as something seems off, without worrying about surprise charges.

Here’s what ongoing protection looks like with Ultrex:

  • 24/7 system monitoring
  • Up-to-date endpoint protection (antivirus + EDR)
  • Managed backup solutions for fast recovery
  • Staff cybersecurity training
  • Clear, practical guidance tailored to your risk level, budget, and goals

We can’t stop every click, but we can make sure mistakes don’t turn into disasters.

Everyday Best Practices

Whether you’re an individual or managing a team, these basics go a long way:

  • Use a password to log in (no password = no protection)
  • Enable automatic screen locks
  • Use enterprise-grade antivirus or endpoint protection
  • Run as a standard user, not an admin
  • Keep your operating system and apps fully updated
  • Maintain both local and cloud backups (we recommend and manage solutions like OneDrive, SharePoint, or dedicated cloud backup systems)

A Quick Note

Ultrex doesn’t operate a retail storefront or offer consumer tech support — but if you’re a business or nonprofit dealing with a cybersecurity incident, we can onboard you fast and get you back on track.

Let’s Secure Your Systems — Together

If you’re unsure whether you’ve been hacked or just want a professional opinion, reach out.
We’ll assess the situation, help you recover safely, and put protections in place so it doesn’t happen again.

👉 Contact Ultrex IT — no panic, no judgment, no per-ticket fees. Just clear answers and real solutions.