A ransom note flashing on your computer screen and a surge of employee reports about suspicious emails are just a few signs that your business could be suffering a cyberattack. But don’t panic! Here are five steps to take during a cyberattack to minimize damage and get your business back on track:

Contain the cyberattack

It’s important to act swiftly to contain the threat and prevent it from spreading and causing further damage. Here’s what you need to do to stop the attack in its tracks:

• Isolate the threat – Isolate the infected device right away. For individual devices, this means unplugging them from the internet. If it’s a network attack, consider isolating the compromised machines from the rest of your network to prevent the infection from jumping to other systems.
• Shut down remote access – Cyberattackers often exploit remote access tools to gain control of systems. To prevent them from further infiltrating your network, disable all remote access tools until the situation is under control.
• Change passwords – Immediately reset passwords for email, banking, and other accounts or programs with sensitive information.

Assess the damage

After taking initial steps to contain the attack, you should then assess the full scope of the damage. To understand the nature of the attack and its impact on your business, consider the following questions:

• What type of cyberattack was it? Identifying the specific type of attack (e.g., ransomware, phishing, virus) helps you understand the extent of the breach and the most appropriate recovery steps.
• What data was breached? The sensitivity of the breached data (e.g., customer information, financial records, internal documents) will determine which parties need to be notified, how urgent the incident is, and what remediation measures must be taken.
• Which systems were affected? The cyberattack might have targeted specific devices or infiltrated your entire network. This is why the affected systems must be immediately identified to help isolate the problem and prioritize recovery efforts.

Report the cyberattack

Cyberattacks are a serious crime, and reporting them is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps authorities locate cybercriminals and bring them to justice. Second, it provides valuable data that can be used to identify emerging threats and prevent similar attacks in the future.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the lead federal agency investigating cybercrimes. You can report the attack directly to your local FBI field office or use their centralized online reporting system, the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Depending on the severity and nature of the attack, you may also consider filing a report with your local police department. They can investigate the incident and provide additional support.

Recover and rebuild

To clean up the mess and get your systems back online, follow these steps:

• Restore from backups – If you have a recent backup of your data, you can use it to restore your files and applications.
• Remove malware – After regaining access to your systems, thoroughly scan your devices for any lingering malicious software. Use a reliable antivirus program to identify and remove any malware that may have infiltrated your network during the attack.
• Patch and update – Update your software to the latest versions to address any security vulnerabilities that might have been exploited.

Learn and improve your defenses

A cyberattack is a wake-up call. Use this experience to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses, which involves taking the following steps:

Invest in cybersecurity training

Empower your employees to become your first line of defense. Train them to recognize phishing attempts and other suspicious activities as well as understand safe online practices and the latest cyberthreats.

Review and refine your security policies

Take a close look at your existing security protocols. Are there any gaps or outdated procedures? A cyberattack can highlight areas where your defenses need to be strengthened such as access controls and data encryption practices.

Stay informed of emerging cyberthreats

One way to keep your defenses strong is by staying informed about the latest threats and emerging tactics used by cybercriminals. This allows your organization to implement the appropriate security measures that correspond to the evolving nature of these threats.

Consider managed IT services for continuous protection

Managing your company’s IT security can be a complex and time-consuming task. That’s why it’s best to partner with SUCCESS Computer Consulting for managed security. Our team of security experts will handle the ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and threat detection for your IT systems. We’ll proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they become full-blown attacks. Get in touch with us today so we can help you build a robust defense system that protects your business and valuable data.