No business is immune from being hacked. Large or small, every company is vulnerable in some way. Although large companies that have suffered attacks get the attention from the press, cyber criminals are actually focusing on small businesses because they are softer targets.

Unfortunately, a data breach may result in sensitive information being irreparably compromised. However, your company can take prompt and decisive steps to rebuild its reputation and regain the trust of clients and customers. This will require preparing a detailed plan for responding to a data breach, which some experts believe will eventually strike every organization.

The following will discuss several steps to take after a data breach incident. Consult with an expert managed IT services firm to formulate a plan that will help protect what is probably your company’s most valuable asset – its data.

Initial Diagnosis

The first step is to determine whether the event was external, internal, malicious, accidental user error, or stemming from a technical problem. Once the scope of the event is determined, follow the instructions in your company’s data breach plan step by step.

There will be common types of incidents for individual incidents, such as malware, ransomware, phishing, etc. However, other attacks may involve multiple staff members, or utilize new or unusual techniques. As a result, your data breach response plan needs to be revised regularly to include both evolving and emerging cyber attack methods.

Minimize Damage

Being well-prepared with a sound data breach plan will decrease reaction time, limiting the spread of a problem and minimizing damage. Scheduled tests and practices of the plan will also speed up the actions of your response team and boost confidence.

Some incidents will require a blockade of internet connectivity or a total isolation of affected systems to allow a more comprehensive diagnosis using forensics. The ultimate goal is to prevent the attack from further compromising company data.

Part 2 will continue by discussing three more steps that can be taken after a data breach: Collect Incident Data, Notify Personnel, and Avoid Hacking Back.

Alpha Engineering Business Support

Choosing an expert computer technology-support provider is an important decision for your business. Alpha Engineering Associates has been a trusted partner of many companies in the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis areas since 1990. For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha Engineering Associates today at (410) 295-9500.