Dealing With Common Cyber Problems
If your device has become infected with ransomware, you are encouraged not to pay the ransom.
If you do pay:
- There is no guarantee that you will regain access to your data/device
- Your computer will still be infected unless you complete extensive clean-up activities
- Attackers may assume that you would be open to paying ransoms in the future
- You will be funding criminal groups
My username and password have been stolen
Personal credentials, such as usernames and passwords, can be stolen directly from you by criminals using tricks such as phishing emails. They can also be stolen by hackers from the services you use, if they suffer a data breach.
If you suspect either has happened, you should change your password as soon as possible.
If you have used the same password on any other accounts, you should change it there too.
I might have malware on my device
If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, there are steps you can take - click here.
I've received a suspicious email, call or text
Scam emails, calls and texts are a problem for everyone. They're getting more convincing day by day - click here for advice.
I am worried that my banking details have been stolen
Contact your bank or building society and speak to their fraud department.
Your bank will not ask you to reply to an e-mail with personal information, or details about your account. If you contact them, use a phone number/email address you have found yourself, rather than one sent to you in the email – it may be false.
You can check your credit reference file online. You should follow up on any unexpected or suspicious results.