If you’re here then you probably already know the importance of having cyber security measures in place such as firewalls, antivirus software, and multi-factor authentication.
However, no matter how much you have in place, no system is foolproof (see CrowdStrike outtage taking down millions of computers worldwide).
It’s like having the most advanced lock on your front door – you’ll keep most burglars out, but if someone really wants to get in, they’ll find a way.
So whilst it’s great to have those cyber security measures, it’s worth also having a plan just in case something goes wrong.
Here are 5 steps to follow to save your business from damage and disruption…
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Avoid panic mode, take a breath and work out exactly what you’re dealing with. Let the whole team know immediately so you can tackle the challenge together.
What systems or data have been compromised? Are there any immediate threats you need to address?
Next, try to figure out how the attackers got in. Was it through a phishing email? A vulnerability in your software? Understanding what’s known as the ‘attack vector’ will help plug the hole and prevent future breaches.
Step 2: Contain the Breach
Once you have a handle on the situation, it’s time to contain the breach. This might involve shutting down compromised systems, isolating infected devices, or blocking suspicious network traffic, as well as changing your passwords. The goal is to prevent the attack from spreading further.
Depending on the severity of the attack and the nature of your business, you may need to notify the relevant authorities. This could include law enforcement, regulatory agencies, or industry watchdogs. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Step 3: Restore Your Systems and Data
Not all systems are created equal – prioritise the critical ones. Start by identifying the systems and data that are essential for your business operations. These might include customer databases, financial records, or production systems. Focus your efforts on restoring these first.
If you’ve lost all your data you can restore your systems and data from the most recent backup available. Make sure to verify the integrity of these first though. Some attacks can compromise them too.
Once your systems are back online, it’s important to patch any vulnerabilities that may have been exploited during the attack. Update your software, firmware, and security patches to make sure you’re running the latest, most secure versions.
Before declaring victory and going back to business as usual, you need to test your restored systems thoroughly. Make sure everything is functioning as it should be and there are no lingering issues or vulnerabilities.
Keep your stakeholders informed throughout the restoration process. Let them know what happened, what you’re doing to fix it, and when they can expect things to be back to normal. Transparency will help you maintain their trust and confidence.
Step 4: Learn and Adapt
You’ve survived the attack and you’re back up and running, but there’s still more to do!
You need to learn and adapt for next time. Because let’s face it, there’s usually a next time. Think about the lessons you’ve learned.
Start by taking a close look at your existing security measures to identify any gaps or weaknesses that need to be addressed. Conduct a thorough security audit to identify vulnerabilities in your systems, processes, and policies.
One of the most effective ways to defend against cyber threats is to implement a multi-layered security approach. This means using a combination of technologies and techniques, such as firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and employee training, to create multiple barriers against attacks.
Encrypting sensitive data adds yet another layer of protection, making it much harder for attackers to access and exploit. Make sure to encrypt data both in transit (that’s when it’s being sent from person to person/place to place) and at rest (when it’s saved in your systems). For maximum security consider implementing end-to-end encryption, where only the sender and recipient can decode the data.
Weak passwords are a cyber criminal’s best friend. Enforce strong password policies across your business. A password manager can make this simpler and safer. Strongly consider implementing multi-factor authentication for another layer of security.
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to stay on top of security patches and updates for your software, firmware, and operating systems. Make sure to apply patches as soon as possible to stop attackers exploiting known vulnerabilities.
Your employees are your first line of defence against cyber attacks. Educate them about the importance of cyber security and provide regular training to help them recognise and respond to potential threats. Teach them how to spot phishing emails, avoid suspicious websites, and practice good security hygiene.
Real-time monitoring and alerting systems will help you detect and respond to potential security threats as soon as they arise. Set up regular security audits and penetration tests for a proactive approach.
Step 5: Develop an Incident Response Plan
Create your incident response plan now, before you need it, and stay one step ahead.
The first step is to set up a dedicated team who will be responsible for handling cyber security incidents. Make sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities in the event of an incident.
Next, identify the types of cyber threats that your business is most likely to face and prioritise them based on their potential impact. This will help you focus your resources on mitigating the most significant risks and developing targeted response strategies.
Once you’ve identified the threats, develop response procedures for each type of incident. This should include step-by-step instructions for detecting, containing, and mitigating the impact of the incident, as well as communication protocols for notifying stakeholders and coordinating the response efforts.
A plan is only as good as its execution, so test your incident response plan regularly through tabletop exercises and simulations. This will help identify any weaknesses or gaps so that you can refine it accordingly.
Communication is key, so make sure everyone involved in handling an incident knows their role, but also tell everyone in the business about the incident response plan. Anyone could be the first to sound the alarm, so everyone needs to know who to report any incidents to in the first instance.
Bonus Step 6: Partner with a Trusted IT Support Provider
You could partner with one of the fastest growing, well respected, multi award winning MSPs in the UK – yes, that’s Start Tech!
We specialise in cyber security, which means we have the expertise to keep your business safe and secure. We stay up to date on the latest threats, trends, and technologies, so you don’t have to.
One of the biggest advantages of working with an IT support provider is our ability to prevent cyber attacks before they even begin. Through proactive monitoring, threat intelligence, and security assessments, we can identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your systems and processes before they can be exploited by cyber criminals.
This proactive approach can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run by preventing costly data breaches and downtime. And while you might worry about the expense, partnering with an IT support provider can actually be a cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized businesses that may not have the resources to maintain an in-house cyber security team.
With a trusted partner by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your systems, data, and reputation are protected against cyber threats. You can focus on running your business with confidence, knowing that your cyber security needs are being taken care of by professionals who have your best interests at heart.
Contact us on 01743 298611 if you’d like to discuss what else we can offer your business.
