What to Do if You Suspect a Cyber Attack

Steps to Take When You Think Your Device is Under Attack

Knowing what to do if you suspect a cyber attack is very important. Cyber attacks can happen anytime and lead to loss of your personal data or money. Acting quickly can help prevent more damage.

First, stay calm and do not panic. Panicking can cause mistakes like clicking on unknown links or giving out your passwords. Take a moment to think clearly.

Next, disconnect your device from the internet. This stops the attacker from continuing to access your information. Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug any cables connected to the internet.

Quick actions to take immediately:

1. Disconnect from the internet
2. Turn off your device if you see strange activity
3. Do not open any new emails or messages
4. Change passwords from a different device
5. Inform your organisation’s IT department or helpdesk

Changing your passwords is a critical step. Use a different device you trust to change all your important passwords. Start with your email, banking, and social media accounts. Pick strong passwords that are hard to guess.

Report the incident. If you are at school or work, let the IT team know immediately. If it is your personal device, you can report cyber crimes to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the Cyber Crime Unit.

Use antivirus software to scan your device for malware if your device is still turned on. If you find anything suspicious, follow the antivirus program’s steps to remove it.

Be careful not to reinstall or download anything from unknown sources. Only use trusted websites and apps moving forward.

Lastly, back up your data regularly. This helps you recover your information if an attack happens in the future. Use external drives or cloud services that are secure.

By following these practical steps, you can protect yourself and reduce the risk of serious harm from a cyber attack.