How to Report Illegal Website Hacking

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/report-illegal-website-hacking-48127.html

If you believe your computer, website or email account has been illegally hacked, it's important to alert the proper authorities as soon as possible. Failing to take action can allow the guilty party to continue preying on other unsuspecting victims. Hacking reports help authorities to not only track down the culprit but also to devise ways to improve security measures and prevent future hacking.

Step 1

Note any unusual activity on your website or with your various online accounts. Make a detailed list of the questionable behavior, documenting all pertinent details.

Step 2

Contact your Internet service provider or website hosting service. Alerting them of the suspected hacking can help them take action against any security breaches, preventing others from being hacked in a similar fashion

Step 3

Report the suspected hacking activities to your local police. The local authorities will be able to use your report to determine if it fits into a pattern, with the information possibly helping track down the responsible parties.

Step 4

Research your individual state's laws regarding illegal spamming and hacking attempts. Many states have established procedures for handing such problems. If you're unable to determine if your state has such procedures, contact your state's attorney general.

Step 5

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. While it does not resolve individual complaints, the FTC maintains a law enforcement database that helps investigators track down the responsible parties.

Step 6

File a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The official FBI web site supplies an online form which can be filled out and submitted to document illegal hacking attempts.

Step 7

File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. The ICCC works in concert with the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center to collect Internet fraud complaints.

Tips

It's important to learn the difference between a technical glitch or bug and a legitimate hacking attempt. Just because your site isn't working properly doesn't necessarily mean it's been hacked.
Noticing programs on your computer you don't remember installing could be one indication your computer has been illegally hacked. Unknown programs requesting firewall access may also be a sign that harmful programs have been placed on your computer.
Scanning your computer and finding viruses, spyware and Trojans may be another possible indication of hacking. Many free virus scans exist to help you diagnose potential threats.
After compromising your online accounts, hackers will often change your passwords. Contact your service provider immediately if you're unable to log-in with existing passwords.
Check your outgoing mail periodically to make certain your account hasn't been compromised and used to send spam without your knowledge. If you detect spam, change your password immediately. Likewise, if you receive spam from a friend's account, be sure and let him know so he can change his password.

How to Report Illegal Website Hacking

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/report-illegal-website-hacking-48127.html

Tips

It's important to learn the difference between a technical glitch or bug and a legitimate hacking attempt. Just because your site isn't working properly doesn't necessarily mean it's been hacked.

Noticing programs on your computer you don't remember installing could be one indication your computer has been illegally hacked. Unknown programs requesting firewall access may also be a sign that harmful programs have been placed on your computer.

Scanning your computer and finding viruses, spyware and Trojans may be another possible indication of hacking. Many free virus scans exist to help you diagnose potential threats.

After compromising your online accounts, hackers will often change your passwords. Contact your service provider immediately if you're unable to log-in with existing passwords.