Blogs @ SelvanSoft: September 2026

These are collections of paranoia‑driven questions from many online users, especially younger generation gamers with little or no understanding of how internet systems, software/hardware, operating systems, and networking actually work. Much of this fear comes from media‑driven alarmism and advice from misinformed friends or armchair experts. These are actual questions repeatedly asked on Reddit sub r/cybersecurity_help. While knowledgeable people in those communities try to give correct guidance, many contributors lack technical grounding and often provide incorrect or confusing responses. In this blog, I aim to give straight, no‑nonsense answers to many of these frequently asked questions. The tone may sound blunt, but it is intentional to drive the point clearly and help readers get accurate information.

Note: This blog is an evolving document, and I will continue adding more Q&A over time.

Question: My IP is logged and tracked, does that mean I am hacked?
Answer: All websites you visit log and know your IP, that is how internet works, so relax. You are not "hacked". For more details, read https://blog.selvansoft.com/2026/07/your-ip-address-isnt-security-risk.html

Question: Is public Wi-Fi safe?
Answer: Yes. All modern internet communication is encrypted by default. Aside from rare, targeted attacks, public Wi‑Fi is perfectly safe today. For more details, read https://blog.selvansoft.com/2026/07/is-public-wi-fi-safe.html

Question: I think my phone is hacked because it is heating up.
Answer: No, your phone is not "hacked" just because it heats up. It usually means you have one or more crappy apps installed or you’re dealing with battery or hardware issues.

Question: I accidently executed an infostealer malware but quickly closed the window. Am I safe?
Answer: No. Software executes CPU instructions incredibly fast. You can’t "Bruce Lee" your way out of software execution by closing the window "quickly". Wipe and reinstall your OS to get your device back to a clean state. For more details, read https://blog.selvansoft.com/2026/07/infostealer.html

Question: I clicked on a suspicious link on my phone. Am I hacked?
Answer: No. On a modern phone that is kept updated, simply clicking a link will not get your phone "hacked"

Question: Does using a VPN keep me and my device safe?
Answer: No. VPN hides your online activity or helps you access location locked websites. It does nothing for your online safety or device security. For more details, read https://blog.selvansoft.com/2024/06/vpn-myth-vs-reality.html

Question: I downloaded pirated or cracked software from a reputable site. Am I safe?
Answer: No, you are not. There is no such thing as a "reputable site" that distributes cracked or pirated software.

Question: I clicked on a shady phishing link. Am I hacked?
Answer: No. You are likely fine if you didn’t provide any personally identifiable information or financial details.

Question: Is it safe to use USB charging ports in public places?
Answer: Yes. There are no documented real‑world cases of malicious USB charging ports. For more details, read https://blog.selvansoft.com/2025/08/juice-jacking-real-threat-or-just-fear.html

Question: My home network, laptop, desktop, phone, router, etc. are all hacked by my ex (or some hacker on the internet) and they are listening to and accessing everything I do.
Answer: No, they are not. This is not reality and only happens in hacker movies. This is an extreme form of paranoia, and it may help to talk to a professional who can help you work through these fears.

More to come …

Stay Informed & Safe Online
If you enjoyed this blog, you'll find many more cybersecurity related microblogs at link below. They offer valuable insights to help you stay informed and safe online. Explore them at https://blog.selvansoft.com. Also, checkout free online security tools at https://selvansoft.com/tools/

Blogs @ SelvanSoft

Friday, September 25, 2026

Online Paranoia Q&A