A data breach is the last thing that any business wants to deal with, but they do happen. The security technology we have today allows us to do plenty to prevent cyber attacks, but there are still vulnerabilities that hackers can target. Also, the more new technology and software we get, the smarter hackers will find ways to infiltrate them. It’s an unfortunate vicious circle.
The good news? If it happens to you, you don’t have to run around with your hair on fire. There are certain ways to respond, and we’ve outlined them for you.
The best response to a data breach is an organized response. Being proactive with your security measures is by far the best way to prevent being involved in a data breach. But if a data breach does happen to you, it is a lot easier to handle if you know how to respond.
The Best Response to a Data Breach
Here’s how you should respond if your business experiences a cyber attack.
Be Transparent
One of the worst things you can do after a data breach is to fall silent. Your clients need to know updates as soon as possible and as often as possible. There is more than your business’ reputation at stake when a problem occurs. Your first priority should always be your clients, and when it comes to your client’s sensitive information, they will want to know sooner than later if there’s a problem. Being upfront about the situation will not only garner respect but also provide reassurance to clients that the issue is being addressed, and that you care.
Don’t Talk Just to Talk.
It is essential to be transparent, but what you actually say to people matters. Be decisive with the statements you make to your clients and the public. Whatever you do, don’t make false or misleading statements to buy time or issue information that is not 100% confirmed.
Check your Inventory
Depending on your business type, you could be storing all different kinds of sensitive information between your own and your clients’. As soon as possible, determine what information was stolen. This could be anything from Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, personal identities, private company information or passwords. Take stock of everything that was affected and prioritize where to start.
Update your Security and Passwords
Once a breach happens, it can’t be undone. But you can take multiple steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again. One of the first should be updating all of your current passwords and making sure they are carefully chosen secure passwords. You can learn more about how to do this here. Also, do a security audit and determine what could be refreshed that hasn’t been recently, or what security holes you have that need to be covered.
Document Every Step
Without history books, we would be doomed to repeat the lower points of history. In the same sense, a data breach will happen again if there is no documentation about previous breaches. Keep records of everything that is happening to ensure an accurate timeline and to keep the same problems from arising again down the line.
The EMPIST Effect
To prevent the possibility of a data breach in the future, it’s important to regularly check and update all security measures from passwords to network connections. But the best way to protect against a cyber attack is to have a partner who can help you be proactive instead of merely reactive. EMPIST works hard to ensure that your sensitive information stays secure. Together we can help you map out what your needs are to make sure that your business stays secure.
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