Tips for Handling Cybersecurity Breaches

Planning for the worst may not be pleasant, but it is crucial when it comes to cybersecurity. With the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks, it is important to prepare for the inevitable rather than hoping it won’t happen. This article provides insight into what constitutes a cybersecurity incident, how to prepare for one, and what to do if you become a victim of an attack.

What is a cybersecurity incident?  

A cybersecurity incident occurs when an unauthorized person gains access to your data or systems, typically through the internet. It is a broad concept encompassing many different types of incidents, including cybersecurity breaches, which involve the loss, publication, or lack of access to data or systems. Whenever an attacker encrypts data and prevents access or steals it, it becomes a security breach.

Plan for the unexpected.

It is critical to plan and respond quickly because the actions you take in the immediate aftermath of an incident can significantly impact its severity. Penalties may be imposed, and you may be required to report any breaches to the authorities.

The key to managing unexpected events is to plan thoroughly, regardless of the size of your organization. A well-designed plan will assist you in identifying any deficiencies in your incident-handling capabilities, such as who to contact for assistance or who in your organization is authorized to make critical decisions.

If you’re planning for an incident, there are three important things to consider:

1. Record everything required to keep your business running, such as IT systems, services, databases, and people in specific roles. Determine your minimum viable business and list everything you need to be operational. If you can’t access these things for a specific period, such as two weeks, consider alternatives and plan accordingly.
2. Compile a list of critical roles, individuals, and supporting companies that can assist you in critical domains such as customer service, legal, communications, IT, and cybersecurity support. Identify the first person to contact in the event of a cybersecurity incident, as well as any additional people who can help. Consider employees, service providers, technical or legal professionals, regulators, or law enforcement agencies.
3. Plan for incident roles and responsibilities and be clear on the priorities. Clear roles are essential for staying focused during an incident. Determine who will make decisions during an incident and in what areas. Write everything down and ensure that it is understood by non-technical personnel.

In the event of an incident, it is critical to remain calm, know what to do, and communicate clearly and promptly with clients and stakeholders. It is also a good idea to simulate a situation like this by bringing key personnel together and working through the points outlined in the incident playbook.

Overall, understanding what you have and what could be impacted in the event of a cyber incident is critical. Preparing your organization and creating a plan before anything happens will pay off in the long run.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at ConnectWise.