Compromised Computer Recovery
We recommend the following steps be taken whenever a computer has been compromised.
- Backup data to an external storage device, such as a CD-RW.
- Reformat the computer.
- Reinstall version of the operating system.
- Enable the operating system's firewall. See Safecomputing firewall help page for help with Windows or ZoneLabs firewalls.
- Install the latest patches for your operating system and apply them. Also enable auto update, and set it up for at least weekly updates.
- Install an antivirus software and the latest anti-virus definitions. Set the preferences to daily automatic updates.
- Change your user account passwords, including any web-based passwords such as those used to access bank accounts.