Help! Is SafeGuard VPN Safe or Did I Just Get Hacked?
Asked by
CuriousCat92
Hey everyone, I'm feeling super embarrassed and need a bit of help. I was looking for a free VPN and ended up downloading something called "SafeGuard VPN." I usually try to be cautious online, but something felt off right away when my browser just closed after running the program. I uploaded the .exe file to VirusTotal, and while most scans came back clean, there's one hit that's making me nervous. I've booted into safe mode and used Rkill, MalwareBytes, and HitmanPro to scan my system, and I deleted the files created by the program, but I'm really worried that my browser, files, or passwords might have been compromised. Also, I'm not great with VirusTotal, so any advice would be super appreciated! Just to note, none of my accounts have been compromised so far, and I do have two-factor authentication set up on everything.
Answers
First off, don’t feel embarrassed! It's easy to get tricked online. It sounds like you followed good initial steps with VirusTotal and your malware scans. Just to be safe, keep an eye on your accounts and consider changing your passwords, especially if you see any suspicious activity. Also, using a reputable VPN is crucial—definitely avoid programs that raise red flags. If you want to feel even more secure, look into using a PC recovery tool or a dedicated antivirus software for a deeper scan.
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I’d also recommend running a scan with additional tools like AdwCleaner, which is specifically great for spotting unwanted programs. If you're still feeling uneasy after all your scans, consider backing up your important files and doing a clean install of your OS. It’s a bit of work, but sometimes it's the safest route.
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SnappyDude51: Totally agree! A deep scan can help ensure nothing sneaky is hiding in your system. Just remember to always download software from official websites—stay safe out there!