🚨 STOP — DO THIS FIRST (Under 5 Minutes)

If you suspect a compromise, act immediately:

  1. Disconnect: Unplug ethernet, turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or enable airplane mode.
  2. Don't access funds: Never log into wallets, exchanges, or email from the suspect device.
  3. Secure funds now: Use a clean device to move crypto to a hardware or new wallet.

Every second matters. Attackers can drain accounts in minutes. Do these three steps first.

🧠 Know Your Enemy — Common Attack Type

Rootkit — hides in the system for persistent admin access; removal usually requires a clean OS install. RAT — remote control of your device, including screen, files, and webcam; steals seeds and moves funds. Dropper — small installer that fetches and runs the real payload, often disguised as an update or tool. Exploit — takes advantage of unpatched bugs to gain control or escalate privileges. Spyware/Stalkerware — monitors calls, messages, mic, GPS, apps; exposes 2FA and private data. SIM swap — carrier ports your number to an attacker; SMS 2FA and resets are then theirs. Malicious extension — looks helpful but captures clipboard, cookies, keystrokes; can swap wallet addresses.

🔗 Session Jacking (Session Hijacking)

What it is: Stealing a logged-in session cookie or token so the attacker can act as you without needing a password.

Why crypto users care: It gives direct access to exchange or wallet dashboards, bypassing normal login.

Common causes:

  • Public Wi-Fi and open hotspots
  • Routers with outdated firmware or default credentials
  • Malicious browser extensions
  • HTTP websites leaking session tokens

If you suspect this, log out of all sessions from a clean device, revoke API keys, update your router firmware, and avoid public Wi-Fi when trading.

🚨 Obvious Signs Something's Wrong

On Your Computer

  • An installer flashes briefly
  • Files named "Zoom_Update.exe" or "Ledger_Update.scr" appear
  • Browser tabs open themselves
  • Antivirus disables itself
  • New extensions appear
  • Fan noise or heat while idle
  • Cursor moves or text types itself
  • Clipboard data changes (wallet address mismatch)

On Your Phone

  • Screen lights up or camera activates randomly
  • "New SIM activated" or "Device added" alerts
  • Battery drains quickly
  • Unknown apps or permission changes
  • Delayed or missing 2FA codes
  • Apps you didn't install have admin rights

If any of this happens, stop using that device for crypto until it's rebuilt.

🎣 How Did This Happen?

Social Engineering

  • Fake "support" messages on Discord, Telegram, or X
  • Phishing emails with look-alike domains
  • "Urgent security update" pop-ups
  • Impersonators offering "help"

Malicious Downloads

  • Cracked software or game cheats
  • Fake wallet apps or trading bots
  • Macro-enabled documents
  • Unofficial installers

Weak Security Habits

  • Reused passwords
  • SMS-only 2FA
  • Public Wi-Fi without VPN
  • Ignoring OS/browser updates

Technical Vulnerabilities

  • Outdated systems and routers
  • Default credentials
  • Unpatched browsers and plugins
  • No endpoint protection

Prevention is easier than recovery. Be skeptical of links, downloads, and requests to "verify" anything.

💀 Exfiltration: The Real Risk

Once an attacker gets in, their priority is data theft.

Targets include:

  • Wallet files, keys, and seed phrases
  • Clipboard data
  • Browser cookies and autofill
  • Screenshots or webcam feeds
  • 2FA codes
  • Password manager vaults

Most theft happens within 5–15 minutes. Secure funds first — investigate later.

💻 Computer Response Guide (Windows / macOS / Linux)

Step 1 — Disconnect and Isolate (0–2 min)

  • Unplug internet, disable Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
  • Remove external drives
  • Don't log in anywhere
  • Use a clean device for all recovery actions

Step 2 — Protect Accounts and Funds (≤5 min)

  • Move crypto to a hardware wallet or brand-new wallet
  • Change passwords from a clean device
  • Sign out of all sessions
  • Revoke API keys/trading bots
  • Enable hardware 2FA
  • Remove suspicious browser extensions

Step 3 — Rebuild (≤24 hr)

  • Backup only personal files (no executables)
  • Reinstall OS from official media
  • Update BIOS, firmware, and router
  • Change router password
  • Avoid fake "cleaner" apps

Step 4 — Optional Forensics (Advanced)

If you want to inspect before wiping, boot a Live USB (Kali, Tails, Ubuntu) and mount the drive read-only.

Example commands:

mkdir /mnt/target  
mount -o ro /dev/sda2 /mnt/target  
ps aux | head  
systemctl list-units --type=service --state=running  
ss -tunap | head  
grep -iE "wget|curl|bash -i" /mnt/target/etc -R

Step 5 — Preserve Evidence

mkdir /mnt/evidence  
cp -a /mnt/target/var/log /mnt/evidence/  
ps aux > /mnt/evidence/processes.txt  
ss -tunap > /mnt/evidence/network.txt

Take screenshots of unauthorized activity or processes.

Step 6 — After Rebuild

  • Change passwords again
  • Restore wallets from verified seeds only
  • Keep major funds offline
  • Enable encryption and automatic updates

📱 Phone Response Guide (Android / iOS)

Step 1 — Contain and Protect

  • Airplane mode on
  • Remove SIM card
  • Don't use crypto apps

From a clean device:

  • Change passwords
  • Revoke API keys
  • Move funds

Step 2 — Warning Signs

  • Battery drains fast
  • "New SIM activated" alerts
  • Unknown apps or permissions
  • High data usage

Step 3 — Pre-Reset Checks

Android: Security → Device admin apps → disable unknowns Privacy → Permission manager → review access

iOS: General → VPN & Device Management → remove profiles Battery → Check usage by app

Step 4 — Full Reset

Android: Factory reset, reinstall apps only from Play Store iOS: Erase all content, reinstall manually (avoid full iCloud restore)

Step 5 — After Reset

  • Use a new Apple/Google ID if needed
  • Recreate wallets securely
  • Change passwords
  • Enable updates + hardware 2FA

Step 6 — Protect SIM & Report

Contact your carrier to lock your SIM or add a port-out PIN. Report to exchanges and FBI IC3. Keep screenshots, texts, timestamps.

✅ Quick Recovery Checklist

0–5 Minutes Goal: Stop the bleeding immediately. Actions:

  • Disconnect from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ethernet.
  • Move crypto to a hardware or freshly created wallet.
  • Log out of all accounts and revoke API keys.
  • Avoid logging in on the compromised device.

Within 1 Hour Goal: Secure accounts and communications. Actions:

  • Change all critical passwords from a clean device.
  • Enable hardware-based 2FA (YubiKey or equivalent).
  • Call your carrier and lock your SIM (add a port-out PIN).
  • Review browser extensions and remove any you don't recognize.

Within 24 Hours Goal: Contain, clean, and rebuild. Actions:

  • Back up personal documents (no executables or wallets).
  • Wipe and reinstall your OS from official sources.
  • Update router firmware and change admin credentials.
  • Recreate wallets on a secure, clean device.

Within 1 Week Goal: Audit, document, and harden. Actions:

  • Review all financial and exchange accounts for unauthorized access.
  • Set up a VPN and enable full-disk encryption.
  • Document the entire incident and preserve evidence.
  • Schedule a professional security review if you manage large funds.
  • Strengthen your ongoing security practices.

🔗 Resources and Tools

Security Tools

  • ESET Internet Security — strong, lightweight protection for all major platforms
  • Malwarebytes — excellent detection and cleanup
  • Windows Defender — built-in and strong
  • Amnesty MVT — check phones for spyware
  • ClamAV — open-source scanner for Linux

Official Guides

Exchange Security

Password & 2FA

Report Cybercrime

🛡️ Final Thoughts

Prevention beats recovery.

After recovery:

  1. Keep large funds in hardware wallets
  2. Never reuse passwords
  3. Always use hardware 2FA
  4. Double-check every download
  5. Keep all software updated
  6. Use separate devices for trading
  7. Store 2FA backups offline

You can't stop being targeted, but you can make yourself a much harder target.