I keep encountering a strange issue where, after each reset of my Windows laptop (using only Windows Defender), my online accounts like Gmail, PSN, Epic, and EA get hacked. It's not a typical virus, but rather my accounts are being accessed and the email addresses are changed without my consent. Every time I log into my Gmail, I get notifications about account changes and I notice suspicious login attempts that trace back to an address in Dagestan, Russia. I've changed my Gmail password multiple times and checked for logged-in devices, but I still feel vulnerable. I really need advice on how to stop this from happening without constantly resetting my PC!
2 Answers
First off, make sure those emails are actually legitimate and not phishing attempts. It’s worth checking if your accounts have been set up with 2-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security to prevent unauthorized access. If you notice logged-in devices from locations you don't recognize, remove them immediately.
It sounds like your laptop might have a deeper issue, possibly a rootkit that a simple reset doesn’t fix. You might want to consider using a specialized malware removal tool or consulting with a professional to ensure everything is clean before you reset again.
So a Windows reset won't get rid of a rootkit? What do you recommend instead to tackle this?
I changed my Gmail password after my PSN account was hacked, and I saw the same Russian login attempts as you. Definitely check your Google account for suspicious logins!