12. Cyber Incident Recovery
Ransomware
If you are unfortunate enough to be the Victim of a ransomware attack – i.e. some or all of your files have been encrypted and the cyber criminals are asking for money (real or ‘cryptocurrency‘) to give you access to your files back – then your first port of call should be the No More Ransom Project website:
Other Incidents
The National Cyber Security Centre have guidance on dealing with some of the most common cyber incidents which affect individuals.
If you cannot find advice on that page, use the search function on the NCSC website to see if you can find relevant advice.
If you still cannot find appropriate guidance on recovering the threat you should consider:
- Contacting the Service Provider for online services (e.g. social media, webmail) and seeking their help
- Finding a reputable cyber security response service from a private company
- Restoring any infected or compromised machine from the original software (e.g. operating system, etc…) and Backups you have created
The Cyber Helpline
The Cyber Helpline is a free, confidential helpline for individuals who have been a victim of cyber crime. They help individuals contain, recover and learn from cyber attacks by linking them with cyber security technology & experts who provide relevant advice and guidance.
This service uses a chatbot to try and diagnose and help fix any cyber issues you may have. If you still cannot resolve the issue they will connect you with a Cyber Security expert volunteer to provide help, for free.
This service is provided by a not-for-profit organisation and is not a SEROCU, Police or UK Government service.