Possible Hack After Installing Cracked Software – Need Help Securing My PC

Question

Hello,
I believe my PC has been compromised after I installed a cracked version of Adobe Suite (I now realize this was a big mistake). Here's what happened:

1. Right after the installation, a strange table briefly popped up on my screen and disappeared.
2. Google Chrome tabs were suddenly closed on their own.
3. I did a malware scan and found a suspicious file, which I removed. I thought that was the end of it.
4. The next day, I received several Facebook Marketplace messages from Irish sellers — someone had contacted them pretending to be me.
5. The day after that, my Instagram account posted a cryptocurrency-related story without my knowledge. A friend alerted me, and I deleted it immediately.

So far, I haven’t noticed serious damage, but I’m very worried about potential consequences.

I’d really appreciate help with the following:

• How can I confirm if my PC is still compromised or clean?
• What immediate steps should I take to protect my accounts and data?
• Should I reset my PC or reinstall Windows?
• Are there any recommended Microsoft tools or third-party antivirus/malware removal programs to fully clean my system?
• Should I change all my passwords now or after cleaning the system?

I'm using Windows 11.

Thank you for your time and support. and i just want to know what should i do next?

Answer 1

Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

Cracked software is nearly always wrapped in malware, it would be best to change the passwords on your accounts to ensure they are not compromised.

Then, download the Microsoft Safety Scanner and run a full scan with that, at the end of that scan is it indicated your system is clear or was malware found and removed from your system.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endp...

Answer 2

Yes...it was a mistake.

Using pirated software, fake/illegal activators for Windows & Office, warez, torrents, keygens and other cracked software is a serious security risk (unsafe practice) which can make your system susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections including ransomware resulting in the encryption of all your most valuable data, in many cases beyond recovery as explained in this topic (Post #11).
 
When you use these kind of programs, be forewarned that some of the most aggressive types of malware infections can be contracted and spread by visiting/using crack, keygen, warez and pirated software sites. In many cases, those sites are infested with a smörgåsbord of malware and an increasing source of system infection which can result in the encryption of all your data, in many cases beyond recovery. That means your personal data (documents, pictures, videos) may be lost forever. Those who attempt to get software for free can end up with a computer system so badly damaged that recovery is not always possible and it cannot be repaired.
 
Using these types of programs or the websites visited to get them is almost a guaranteed way to get your system infected!!