I’m a victim of a malware attack. What should I do?
A malware attack can have serious and ongoing impacts. Malware can also act as an entry point for cybercriminals, opening the door to further malicious activity.
If malware is detected, immediately stop online banking, shopping, or other activities that involve usernames, passwords, or sensitive information.
If you’ve fallen victim to a malware attack, contact these agencies to report it, get help, and protect yourself from further harm.
Not sure what type of malware it was?
Learn more about malware.
Who should I contact?
ACSC ReportCyber
Report cybercrimes, security incidents and abuse through ReportCyber. Your report helps to disrupt crime operations and makes Australia more secure. If your money and/or identity is at risk, also notify the relevant services below.
ACCC Scamwatch
Report malware incidents to Scamwatch. Your report helps to warn people about current threats and disrupt them where possible. You’ll need to provide details of the malware, such as how it occurred and any losses you suffered.
Your financial institution
Contact your bank or credit union immediately if you’ve lost money in a malware attack. They may be able to close your account or stop a transaction. Make sure you call them using their official phone number.
The compromised website or product owner
If the malware came from a compromised website or product, report the incident to its owner. This will help protect others from harm. Make sure you report it through an official email or phone number.
Services Australia
Contact the Services Australia Scams and Identity Helpdesk. They provide support if you’ve sent personal details or money to someone pretending to be from a government service.
IDCARE
Contact IDCARE if your personal information is at risk from a data breach. They’re a national identity and cyber support service for individuals and organisations.
Australian Taxation Office
Contact the ATO if someone has stolen your personal or business identity. You must report all tax-related security issues to the ATO.
More information
Malware
Learn how to spot the signs of malware.
Antivirus software
The consequences of viruses, spyware and other malicious software can be serious and far reaching. Follow our guidance about using anti-virus software.
Small Business Cyber Security Guide
This guide includes basic security measures to help protect your business against common cyber security threats.
Essential Eight
While no set of mitigation strategies are guaranteed to protect against all cyber threats, organisations are recommended to implement eight essential mitigation strategies from the Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents  as a baseline. This baseline, known as the Essential Eight, makes it much harder for adversaries to compromise systems.
Need more support?
For help with all types of threats, visit our where to get help page.Â
If you still need help, call our hotline 24/7 on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).Â
