I accidentally ran an executable file while downloading something, and my laptop soon showed signs of a possible Trojan. I think I removed it, but Steam unexpectedly asked me to sign in even though I had not logged out. I've also had older accounts compromised before, so I'm worried that my passwords may have been stolen. I'm 13 and really stressed—what steps should I take to secure my accounts and make sure my laptop is safe?
3 Answers
Treat the laptop as unsafe until you’ve checked it properly. From a different, trusted device, change the passwords for your email first, then Steam and any other important accounts. Don’t reuse passwords, and turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible. Sign out other sessions and review account recovery details and recent login activity. Have a parent or trusted adult help, especially since you’re 13.
If the infection involved an executable, the safest fix is usually backing up only personal files such as photos and documents, then wiping the drive and reinstalling Windows from official installation media. Having millions of files doesn’t mean they must all be lost, but avoid copying programs, installers, scripts, or anything suspicious back onto the fresh installation. If you can’t do that yourself, ask a parent or reputable repair professional for help.
A backup can preserve important documents without preserving the old Windows installation. Scan the files before restoring them, and don’t run any old executables until they’ve been checked.
Steam occasionally asks for a login again, so that alone doesn’t prove your account was stolen. Still, change the password from a clean device, enable Steam Guard, revoke unknown sessions, and check for unfamiliar trades, purchases, or profile changes. Run reputable offline or full-system malware scans, but remember that scans can miss an attacker who had administrator access, which is why a clean reinstall is the most reliable option.
I’m worried that changing passwords from the laptop could just expose the new ones too. I’ll use another device and ask an adult to help.