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Computer Has Been Hacked in Windows XP/Vista/7
Time to Complete (in minutes): 60
Question:
I think my Windows computer has been hacked. What should I do?
Answer:

Caution: The following instructions are intended for use by system administrators and other computer professionals. If you are a novice computer user, please refer to Computer Stops Responding or Runs Slowly in Windows XP/Vista/7 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/45/).

If your computer has been hacked:
  1. Gather the following information about your computer and send it to abuse@vt.edu (abuse@vt.edu):
    • Hostname
    • IP address
    • System type
    • System administrator's name
    • Operating system
    • Type of attack
    • Relevant logs
    • Date and time of attack
  2. Check your computer for viruses.
    1. Install Symantec. For instructions, see Downloading and Installing Symantec for Windows XP/Vista/7 and Windows 2003/2008 Server (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2808/).

      Note: Symantec AntiVirus is available at no charge for current Virginia Tech students, faculty, staff, and retirees.

    2. Update your antivirus software's definitions. If you are using Symantec, refer to Running LiveUpdate in Symantec Endpoint Protection for Windows (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/1392/).
    3. Scan your computer for viruses. If you are using Symantec, refer to Manually Scanning Your Computer with Symantec Endpoint Protection for Windows XP/Vista/7 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/249/).
  3. Reformat your computer.
    1. Disconnect your computer from the network.
    2. Save your important files to a storage device, such as a CD, Zip disk, your Network-Attached Storage (NAS) space, or your filebox.
    3. Reformat your computer and reinstall your operating system. For assistance, contact your computer's manufacturer or vendor.
  4. Run Windows Update, and install all critical updates and service packs. For instructions, refer to:
  5. Change all of your passwords.

If you have feedback about the content of this article, please leave a comment. If you need assistance with these instructions, contact 4Help at http://4help.vt.edu.

  • Article ID: 1824
  • Last updated: 14 Mar, 2013
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  • If you have feedback about the content of this article, please leave a comment. If you need assistance with these instructions, contact 4Help at http://4help.vt.edu.
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