Recover after being hacked

Take steps to protect your devices, online accounts and your family and friends.

What you should do

You should do all of the following:

  • run a virus scan on your computer or device and remove any malware
  • contact your bank or financial institution to secure your accounts
  • contact services where someone could use your personal information to access your records, like the Australian Taxation Office and Services Australia
  • change the password to any accounts someone could access, such as your bank, superannuation, myGov and email accounts
  • warn your family and friends not to open any strange links or email attachments
  • report it through ReportCyber on the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) website.

You can also contact IDCARE to access their free cyber first aid service. You can get help on the IDCARE website.

If you’re unsure what to do, take the Have you been hacked? online quiz on the ACSC website. It will tell you what else you can do based on what happened.

Financial help

You may not always be able to recover money lost to cybercrime. Be wary of offers to help recover money, which may turn out to be a scam. You can learn about money recovery scams on the Scamwatch website.

There is help available if you’re in financial hardship. 

Your mental health

Experiencing crime or harm online can be distressing. It’s helpful to find ways to take care of yourself.

There's free support and information available. Find out more about getting mental health support. 

Page last updated: 26 March 2024