I recently installed some software that I thought would be harmless, but that same night, all my accounts linked to my computer—like Discord, Amazon, and Instagram—were hacked. I'm trying to figure out if this was just a data breach or if I accidentally downloaded malware. Additionally, I've noticed Windows PowerShell popping up frequently for just a moment, where it claims to be checking my license. This has raised my concerns about potential malware infection. I've also deleted a suspicious new Windows document extension that appeared in my Google files. What are some ways I can thoroughly scan my system for malware? I feel pretty dumb for this situation, and any advice would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
It sounds like you might have encountered some malware that led to your accounts getting breached. Honestly, the best bet is to do a complete wipe of your system and reinstall Windows. Change all your passwords immediately, and consider getting new bank cards for added security. A clean install is really the way to go here.
Wiping your PC is a solid plan. Before doing so, create a bootable disk of a free antivirus like Norton and scan your drives. You want to ensure none of your personal files are infected before reinstalling Windows. Also, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden to keep your credentials safe—it's super helpful for generating and managing complex passwords.
Changing all your passwords from a different device is crucial. Also, enable two-factor authentication everywhere you can. Running a full antivirus scan is a must too. For the safest approach, back up your files and then do a clean install of Windows. Just be careful about what you download in the future; cracked software is a common cause for these types of issues.
The phrase "regular data breach" might not apply here since having those accounts compromised all at once likely means your computer was the source. You might be dealing with a keylogger or some other type of malware that accessed your account info. My advice? Disconnect any external drives, perform a low-level format of your system drive, then reinstall Windows and just the essential drivers. Change every password using strong, unique ones.

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