Discovering a potential breach in your computer network can elicit panic, but your response holds the key to mitigating the damage. Swift and decisive action can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a full-blown catastrophe that jeopardizes your business's operations and legal standing.
In this article, we tap into the expertise of our cyber security specialists to outline the telltale signs of a compromised system and the five crucial steps you must take to contain the situation and minimize irreversible harm.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
According to IBM's latest cyber security report, the average data breach goes undetected for a staggering 277 days. Despite the rapid havoc malware, viruses, and other malicious tools can wreak, many users fail to recognize the initial indicators of an attack until it's too late.
Several red flags may initially masquerade as typical computer glitches, including sluggish performance, frequent crashes, intrusive pop-ups, locked user accounts, unexpected file modifications, anomalous system behavior, and unusual account activity. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's imperative to alert your IT team promptly.
Immediate Action Plan
When faced with suspicious activity, it's crucial to act swiftly and methodically. Here's our expert-recommended course of action:
- Isolate the Network: Disconnect the affected device from the network to prevent further contamination, but refrain from rebooting it immediately. Rebooting might exacerbate the issue, triggering irreversible data loss in cases involving malware-induced file encryption.
- Engage IT Support: Contact your IT team without delay. Expert intervention is essential to assess the breach's extent, contain its spread, and mitigate the damage. Avoid attempting to resolve the issue independently, as misguided efforts could exacerbate the situation.
- Legal Consultation: Notify your attorney promptly. Legal counsel specializing in privacy and data security can navigate the regulatory landscape and advise on compliance obligations and potential liabilities arising from the breach.
- Password Reset: As the IT team addresses the breach, prioritize password changes across all accounts to bolster security. Initiate this process with accounts housing sensitive financial data, such as credit card details and Social Security numbers.
- Financial Vigilance: Monitor your bank accounts vigilantly for any suspicious activity. Given the financial motives behind most cyber-attacks, swift action can prevent significant monetary losses.
In the aftermath of a cyber-attack, additional steps may include implementing a comprehensive PR communications strategy and liaising with relevant authorities. However, swift containment of the breach and expert intervention remain paramount. Time is of the essence in safeguarding your business against cyber threats.
If you need a reliable, trustworthy cyber security team monitoring your business, start with a FREE Cyber Security Risk Assessment. These assessments are designed to examine your network to pinpoint any vulnerabilities and map out a plan to fix them. It is much more cost-effective to prevent a cyber-attack than to fix one, so book your assessment today by booking a call here, https://go.scheduleyou.in/ax2rS3r or calling 763-331-6227.
