Anatomy of a hack
A chronological sequence of events in a hack
The steps below are intended to show what one of the founders of CYA experienced. They are not intended to portray exactly what a victim may experience, but to show how complicated, painful, stressful and life-changing dealing with a hack or scam might be. Each of us should adapt our behavior, hopefully to prevent such a threat.
- A
I’ve been hacked
It’s a shock… probably an understatement!
Being prepared is the only way to act fast…
The shorter the time before action, the greater the chances of recovery.
- B
Initial emotional reaction
The emotional response is instantaneous and powerful. Anger, fear, guilt, SHAME, loneliness.
The hardest part is the thing you feel first, and is the thing that costs you most. Who do I tell?
- C
What do I do?
1. Who can help me locate and recover the money?
2. Where do I start? The police, the FBI? Who?
One and two above should be contemplated “just in case”.
- D
I’ve found help to locate my assets
Actually locating the assets can take considerable time.
This takes patience, luck and hope.
Assume there are significant costs to begin any search.
- E
If my assets are located
“How do I proceed?”
“Do I have to go to court?”
“Do I need an attorney?”
If the assets are NOT recovered… GAME OVER, but the emotional toll remains AND… you still have to protect your remaining assets!
- F
If a court appearance is necessary
“If I need an attorney, how do I find an experienced attorney?”
Identifying an attorney experienced in this area is part of the preparation before suffering any potential loss.
- G
If the assets are recovered, how do I transfer them to my bank?
The recovered assets are probably in digital form… “How do I transfer them to my bank?”
You will likely need a transfer agent. What is a transfer agent? “How do I find one?”
Assume there are costs associated with any recovery.
- H
Your mental state
After this ordeal you are most assuredly exhausted, frazzled and fragile. The financial damage ends… the emotional toll remains. You may require therapy.
This is a reasonable reaction!
How do you find a qualified, experienced therapist?