Individual

Once money has been lost, getting it back is rarely straightforward and often impossible. Time is of the essence: acting quickly and carefully can help to limit the damage and may stop fraudulent transactions before it's too late.

It only takes an accidental click, a system crash or a cyberattack for important data to be deleted. However, if the appropriate precautions have been taken, the damage caused by losing data can often be limited and lost data restored.

Cybercriminals use emails, social media, or hacked accounts to put pressure on people. Their aim is usually to extort money or force their victims to do something. By staying calm, refusing to pay and taking a step-by-step approach, you can limit the harm.

If a device is infected with malware, the consequences can be serious: files may be stolen or encrypted, and attackers may be able to operate unnoticed in the background. If you can recognise the signs of malware and know how to respond, you can take targeted steps to limit the damage and protect your data.

A hacked account can have serious consequences. Cybercriminals may be able to read your emails, access payment services or social media accounts, or take over other accounts you use. They often get in using login details stolen through phishing or a data leak. If you act quickly and take the right steps, you can limit or prevent further damage.

The NCSC receives voluntary reports of cyberincidents from the public, companies and the authorities, and assists them in taking the necessary steps. The NCSC is also responsible for collecting reports of cyberincidents from operators of critical infrastructure, who have been subject to a reporting obligation since 1 April 2025. The NCSC also receives reports of vulnerabilities and assigns them a unique identification number in accordance with the international reference system.