What to do if you clicked a bad link
- Do not panic and do not hide it. Fast action stops most damage.
- Disconnect from the internet, change passwords from a different device, and tell your boss or IT provider now.
Steps
- Stay calm and stop. Do not click anything else. Do not type any more information on that page.
- Disconnect the computer. Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi. This can stop a bad program from spreading. Leave the computer on for now.
- Tell someone right away. Tell your boss or your IT provider. Say what you clicked and when. You will not get in trouble for being fast and honest.
- If you typed a password, change it. Use a different device, such as your phone on mobile data. Change that password and any place you used the same one.
- Turn on or check the second sign-in step. A second step stops many attacks even when a password is stolen.
- If you gave bank or card details. Call the bank or card company right away and tell them.
- Have the computer checked. Let a pro scan it before you use it again.
What a pro will check
A pro will look for programs you did not install, new rules in your mailbox that forward email to someone else, new sign-in devices on your accounts, and whether other people got the same message. These checks are the part owners often miss.
Save the evidence
Do not delete the email yet. Take a photo of the screen or forward it to your IT provider. It helps them find the others.
When to call a pro
- You entered a password or opened a file. Call now, do not wait.
- Files on the computer look renamed or you see a message demanding payment. See our page on ransomware and who to call.
- Customer data may have been seen. See New Jersey breach notification rules.
Need IT support for your business?
Call Ava, or book a free check. We look at your setup and tell you what we would fix first, in plain words, whether or not you hire us.
●●● ●●●-●●●● Book a free check
Common questions
Is clicking a link always dangerous?
No. Many clicks do nothing. But if you entered a password or opened a file, act as if it matters.
Should I turn off the computer?
First disconnect it from the network. Then follow your IT provider's advice.
Will my boss be angry?
A good boss is glad you told them fast. Hiding it is what makes things worse.
Keep reading
Where we help
Minority- and Black-owned businesses are welcome here, and so is every other small business.
Book a free 30-minute review
Tell us what is not working. We will look at your setup and tell you what we would change, whether or not you hire us.
Book the review ●●● ●●●-●●●●