Haider, I lost everything — my clients, files, and passwords. Even my phone feels hacked.
That was the message I got from Nido, a designer and close friend.(NidoDesigns). Thanks to her, she permitted me to tell my readers' family. Clap for her because she thinks about people.
She wasn't overreacting.
Everything Was Gone
She had been working on a client project. Then suddenly:
- Locked out of her accounts
- Files disappeared
- Her devices started acting strangely
Laptop. Phone. Tablet. All were behaving like someone else was in control.
It Wasn't Just a Tech Glitch
This was a full-on breach. Someone had gotten into her digital life — and it wasn't random.
As a Certified Ethical Hacker, I Took Action
I cleared my schedule and started digging.
What I found?
An old backup app she hadn't updated in months.
It was quietly running in the background. And it left a door wide open for someone to walk in.
We Got It Back — But It Could've Been Worse
I cleaned her system, locked out the intruder, reset her credentials, and secured her accounts.
But the incident stuck with me.
Too many creatives are one mistake away from digital disaster.
Your Safety Checklist:
- Use Double Lock (MFA)
Turn on "Multi-Factor Authentication" for every account (email, bank, social media).
How? It asks for a code (from your phone) plus your password. → Why? Stops hackers, even if they know your password.
- Strong Passwords
- Don't use same password twice.
- Make passwords long & weird: Like
PurpleBanana$Jump37! - Use a Password App: Bitwarden or 1Password make and remember strong passwords for you.
2. Update Everything!
Phones, computers, apps — update AS SOON AS you can. Old software = easy hacking. Tip: Turn on "Auto-Update" everywhere.
3. Watch for Fake Emails (Phishing)
- Don't click weird links ("You won a prize!", "Urgent!").
- Check sender's email address (Is it really fiver.com? Or fiv3r.com?).
- Call to double-check if someone asks for money/passwords.
4. Backup Your Stuff!
- Save copies in 3 places
5. On your computer
6. On an external drive
7. In the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud)
- Do backups automatically.
- Test them! Open a backup file to check it works.
Quick Tips:
- Use antivirus software (Like Norton or Avast). Run scans weekly.
- Lock your devices when not using them.
- Keep work + personal stuff separate.
- Know who to call if hacked (like a tech helper).
Nido Design got help just in time. You don't have to be next. These steps take minutes but save your business.
Don't build a fence after the wolf gets in. Lock things down TODAY.
Stay safe, Haider | Your Tech Safety Friend Need help? Ask me!