Safe Computing
Safe Computing Home | Protect Your Computer: Operating System, Firewall, Antivirus | Protect Your Information: Email, Social Networking, Passwords, Browser Security, Wireless, Sensitive Data, File Sharing | Getting Help: Compromises, Harassment, Account Recovery, cMail Remediation
Computer Compromises
If you believe your computer has been compromised, begin by contacting your local IT support group. They will be able to guide you through the next steps.
- 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.
- 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.
- The University of Chicago Solution Center can assist with rebuilding your computer for a fee.
Last updated: 10/13/08