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How do i stop foreign hackers from accessing my computer targeting financial accounts.

Todski17 0 Reputation points
2026-05-26T20:20:27.1333333+00:00

I am getting hacked or attempted hacks. When I run netstat there are hundreds of foreign address established.

They are going after all my financial accounts. How do I stop this?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy
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  1. Sin-D 10,405 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-27T04:17:01.74+00:00

    Hi Todski17,

    Based on what you described, I’ll first clarify an important point, then suggest a focused way to verify whether this is actually malicious.

    Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, instead of looking only at IPs, it’s more useful to identify which process is making those connections:

    Step 1: Map connections to processes

    1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
    2. Run: netstat -abno
    3. Look at the process name shown above each connection
      • If you see known processes like “svchost.exe,” “msedge.exe,” or “chrome.exe,” that is typically expected.
      • If you see unknown or random-looking names, that’s worth investigating.

    Step 2: Confirm using Resource Monitor

    1. Press Windows + R > type “resmon” > Enter
    2. Go to the “Network” tab
    3. Expand “Processes with Network Activity”

    This gives a clearer, real-time view of which apps are using the network.

    Based on your concern about financial accounts, I strongly recommend this action:

    Run an offline malware scan (deep scan)

    1. Open “Windows Security”
    2. Go to “Virus & threat protection”
    3. Select “Scan options”
    4. Choose “Microsoft Defender Offline scan” > “Scan now”

    This runs outside normal Windows and is effective against hidden threats.

    Also, here's a couple of quick checks:

    • Check “Startup apps” (Task Manager > Startup) and disable anything unfamiliar
    • Make sure Windows Update is fully up to date
    • If you’ve ever installed remote support software you didn’t fully trust, consider removing it

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-26T20:20:43.62+00:00

    Netstat showing many foreign addresses does not necessarily mean the device is hacked; modern systems maintain many normal outbound connections. Focus instead on hardening the PC and protecting financial accounts.

    1. Secure Windows and the home network
    • Turn on automatic updates so Windows and all Microsoft apps stay patched. See how to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update.
    • Keep non‑Microsoft software (browsers, Adobe Reader, etc.) updated as well.
    • Ensure Windows Security (Microsoft Defender Antivirus and firewall) is on and up to date. See Help protect my device with Windows Security.
    • Never turn off the firewall.
    • Protect the wireless router with a strong password and WPA2/WPA3 encryption; do not use open Wi‑Fi.
    1. Reduce infection and intrusion risk
    • Use a modern browser such as Microsoft Edge and keep it updated; it can help block malicious sites and code.
    • Avoid visiting sites offering pirated or illicit content; these often deliver malware.
    • Do not open suspicious attachments or click unusual links in email, social media, or pop‑ups.
    • Do not use USB drives or external devices unless they are trusted.
    • Run a full scan with Windows Security to check for malware. See Stay protected with the Windows Security app.
    1. Lock down financial and other sensitive accounts
    • Use strong, unique passwords (long phrases with mixed characters) for each financial site. See Create and use strong passwords.
    • Do not reuse the same password across multiple sites.
    • Turn on multi‑factor authentication (MFA) wherever banks or financial services support it.
    • Never enter credentials on sites unless the address starts with https and shows a closed padlock, and verify that the URL is exactly the correct bank or broker site. See “Look for signs that a website is secure and legitimate” in the safer transactions guidance.
    • Avoid banking or paying bills on public computers or public Wi‑Fi; do these only from a trusted home device and network.
    1. Protect identity and monitor for misuse
    • Be defensive with sensitive information: do not send account numbers, passwords, or other financial data via email, text, or social media.
    • Be cautious about what is posted on social media that could help attackers answer security questions.
    • Consider using Microsoft Defender’s identity theft monitoring (if available with Microsoft 365) to watch for breached personal data and get alerts and restoration support. See Getting started with identity theft monitoring in Microsoft Defender.
    • Use tools like Password Monitor in Microsoft Edge to be alerted if saved passwords are found in known data leaks, then change those passwords immediately.
    1. If there are signs of actual compromise or fraud
    • If unauthorized transactions or account changes appear, act immediately:
      • Contact the bank or financial institution, report suspected fraud, and follow their security procedures.
      • Change passwords and PINs for affected accounts from a clean, trusted device.
    • If identity theft is suspected (new accounts opened, credit issues, etc.):
      • File a police report and keep a copy.
      • Place a fraud alert on credit reports with a major U.S. credit bureau.
      • Close or correct any accounts opened or accessed fraudulently and reopen with new credentials.
      • Report identity theft to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at https://ftc.gov/idtheft or by phone.
    1. Ongoing safe‑use habits
    • Regularly review bank and card statements and online account activity for unusual transactions.
    • Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, emails, or pop‑ups claiming to be from banks or “Microsoft support,” especially if they request remote access or payment; these are common tech support or phishing scams.
    • If a tech support scammer has ever had access to the device, uninstall any software they asked to install, run a full Windows Security scan, apply all updates, and change passwords.

    These steps reduce the chance that remote attackers can successfully compromise the PC or financial accounts, even if there are many network connections visible in tools like netstat.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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