If files are encrypted, renamed or replaced with a ransom note, stop the spread before trying to restore or clean anything.
Prepared and reviewed by IT Life-Raft
UK-based IT support and cyber recovery guidance. Last reviewed September 2026.
Disconnect affected devices and shared storage from the network. Do not delete the ransom note, wipe systems or reconnect backups until the route in is understood.
If you've been hacked, start with our step-by-step recovery checklist. It explains what to secure first, how to protect your email and accounts, what evidence to keep, and what to do next.
Recovery checklistIf this is happening, preserve evidence and move carefully before deleting messages, wiping devices or changing settings from a suspect device.
If this is happening, preserve evidence and move carefully before deleting messages, wiping devices or changing settings from a suspect device.
If this is happening, preserve evidence and move carefully before deleting messages, wiping devices or changing settings from a suspect device.
If this is happening, preserve evidence and move carefully before deleting messages, wiping devices or changing settings from a suspect device.
Keep the order simple: contain the issue, recover control, then strengthen the account or device so the attacker cannot return.
Record what you changed and keep screenshots or reference numbers where possible.
Record what you changed and keep screenshots or reference numbers where possible.
Record what you changed and keep screenshots or reference numbers where possible.
Record what you changed and keep screenshots or reference numbers where possible.
Record what you changed and keep screenshots or reference numbers where possible.
Check cyber insurance before making major recovery decisions. Review business continuity, backup isolation and whether personal data may be involved.
If money, customer data, Microsoft 365, business email or a website is involved, get advice before wiping evidence or assuming the issue is closed.
These links help confirm the official recovery route. Use them alongside the checklist, especially when account recovery, fraud reporting or business data may be involved.
Do not rush. Paying may not restore data and can create legal, financial and repeat-targeting risks. Get professional advice.
Not before evidence and recovery options have been assessed.
Yes. Check backup dates, access and isolation before restoring.
Tell us what happened, what is affected and whether money, customer data or business systems may be at risk.