End-user Computer Security/Main content/What to do when you discover your computer has been hacked

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End-user Computer Security
Inexpensive security

for	⦾ individuals ⦾ sole traders ⦾ small businesses

What to do when you discover your computer has been hacked   /  Chapter 9

Backing-up files

If it is ever discovered that a computer has been hacked,

🛡	i)	restarting the computer into some kind of safe-mode with WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC and other things deactivated, might be a secure way to get access to your files so that you can back them up.
🛡	ii)	However, likely more secure than this is to run off the same computer, another operating system installation using a physical drive that was never previously used with the computer, or a live DVD/CD, and then access your files through the other OS installation or live DVD/CD so that you can back them up.
🛡	iii)	Even more secure, is to take the drive out containing your files, interface with the drive using a completely different computer that is running a live DVD/CD, and then access your files through the live DVD/CD in order to back them up.

When to change digital passwords and keys?

You may be tempted to change such security credentials straight-away after discovering that you have been hacked. However, could it be better to wait until you are sure that your system is secure rather than changing such credentials using an unsecure system?

Further information

The National Cyber Security Centre for the UK (NCSC) outlines steps to be urgently taken when you’ve discovered you’ve been infected with malware. Also, see here for their guide for small businesses on response and recovery from cyberattacks.

Chapter 8 Broad security principles

Contents, Index, Foreword

Chapter 10 Miscellaneous notes