The malware virus that infected your computer may be gone, but the damaged it caused still remains. So, where do you go from here? How can you get all the files back that the virus wiped from you, and how can you prevent future data loss from happening? These are the steps you need to take right after you’ve been hit with a malware virus.
1. Remove the malware.
One of the first things you need to do is to make sure that all infections in your computer have actually been 100% removed. Instead of trying to fix problems and recover your data immediately, you first need to ensure that your computer is safe. After you’re sure your computer is clean, you can move on to fixing the damage caused by the virus.
2. Reset your passwords.
Resetting all your passwords is an important precaution to take because it’s very possible that the malware captured your passwords and will then pass them on to criminals. Make sure you wait until after your computer is cleared for use before you do this, or you’ll still be at risk.
3. Update all software on your computer.
After resetting your passwords, it’s recommended that you make sure your Windows or Mac software is fully up-to-date. You should also update your antivirus software if you have one downloaded on your computer. (If not, you may want to invest in one.) Your web browsers are also included in this software update revamp because browsers are one of the most common entryways for infections. That’s probably how your computer got infected in the first place. For further protection, install an ad filtering software (usually available as a browser plugin), such as Adblock Plus for Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome.
4. Restore and/or backup all your important files.
Do you have a backup provider already in place? If so, smart choice! Now you’re ready to restore all the important files that you’ve lost from your backup service.
If not, it’s time to invest in a good backup service. You need to backup the files you’ll need or that are vital to conduct your business, so that this scenario doesn’t happen to you again. If you have a secure and reliable backup provider, you don’t have to worry about losing anything if disaster strikes. You should backup files using a trusted backup service, such as Nordic Backup. Check out our plans to see some of the options you have available to you. With a variety of features worked into each plan, you’ll be able to find the plan that perfectly fits your storage needs.
5. Search for a data recovery service software.
Data recovery services are plentiful with an Internet search. While there is no guarantee of success and sometimes a strong chance of disappointment with recovery tools, it’s still worth a try in some cases. Keep in mind that most deleted or overwritten data can’t be recovered.
These softwares will attempt to restore all types of files, like Microsoft Office files (Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, Powerpoints), archived files, PDF files, basic media files, and many others deleted after a malicious software infection. If you have hidden files on an external hard drive, a pen drive, a memory card, an SSD drive, or another storage device, these can sometimes be recovered with certain software services too. It’s extremely important to research the softwares before you install them because in some cases certain softwares may even contain malware.
6. Data loss prevention.
Once the infections are cleaned out of your computer and your files are recovered, it’s time to take preventative measures that ensure a malware attack never happens again. This means using a backup software to secure all of your recovered files, so that you can ensure your files are never lost forever. This also includes measures such as keeping your software up-to-date, ensuring all future downloads, websites, and software are safe, and using Internet security software.
