First aid with cybercrime

How do you know if you are a victim of cybercrime?

You may be a victim of a cybercrime incident if you:

• can no longer access your files;
• unknown amounts have been debited from your bank account;
• you can no longer log into your email or social media accounts;
• your friends and family receive emails or messages that you did not send;
• messages are posted on your social media account that you did not post.

You can check Haveibeenpwned.comExternal link to see if your email address or any other details have been previously captured by hackers.

What should you do if you are a victim of cybercrime?

1. Stay calm

Notice you've been hacked or your files are suddenly encrypted? Stay calm so you can take targeted action and still limit the damage somewhat.

2. Leave the device on, but disconnect from the Wi-Fi network

If you turn off the device, files and data may be lost. So leave the device on, but immediately disconnect it from the network. Do this not only for the hacked device, but for all your devices connected to the internet. This way, you can prevent more damage from occurring. Data and/or files may have already been captured by hackers.

3. Change your passwords

If you are still able to log into your accounts, change your passwords immediately. Preferably choose a long password or a passphrase you can remember well. The more characters, the better. Set up two-step verification to make it harder for hackers. Never change your passwords from the hacked device because someone might still be watching you.

4. Inform the Service Desk ICT Services and your family and friends

There is still often a taboo about telling people you may have been hacked or become a victim of cybercrime. But it can happen to anyone and talking about it helps make others aware of it. By acting appropriately, further damage can be prevented. Reporting a potential hack to the Service Desk ICT Services is crucial to protecting the organization. And by telling family and friends about these kinds of incidents, you help prevent such incidents in the future.