What To Do When Your Network Has Been Hacked: A Five Step Plan
Wireless devices are a mainstay of modern business—employees, visitors and customers alike expect reliable, instant network access. Allowing access for all can increase satisfaction for end users but it can also open your network to increased security attacks and breaches. Do you know what to do if your network has been compromised?
What to Do If You Have a Breach
Despite your efforts to control access, track assets and create security protocols on your network, breaches can and do happen. Knowing what to do if you suspect or actually have a problem can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a disaster that interrupts your ability to do business. The following steps will help you recover after a breach or incident. The faster you recover, the sooner you can resume business.
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- Stop the breach: Isolate any devices or systems that have been identified as part of the breach. If the hacker has used an email or account to access your systems, close them down to prevent further damage. The faster you restrict access to your systems, the less damage a hacker can do.
- Examine the damage: You’ll need to determine the extent of the damage and which systems are suspect and which are confirmed secure. When you know what has actually been accessed, you will be better equipped to deal with it.
- Restore your systems: Once the threat has been addressed, you can restore your systems so you can continue providing care. If you have a DRaaS or BaaS system in place, your provider will be able to help you recover quickly, if not try to work with your in-house team to get back up and running as fast as possible. If you realize you are in over your head, engage with an IT Solutions Company like Comport to help remedy security issues and implement data protection plans for the future.
- Perform an audit: Determine how the system was accessed, your response to stopping the breach and the affect it had on your business. Once you know the answers to the questions, you can make better decisions on how to move forward.
- Learn from your mistakes: After the initial shock has passed and your system is back on track, work with your IT team and an it solutions company, if needed, to establish a plan to prevent further issues. This will lower your risk of further attack and give you peace of mind. For example, If your attacker got in via your email or by exploiting a poorly chosen password, retrain employees to better protect your network. If the attacker used a lost or stolen device, you may need to address inventory tracking etc.…
The best way to prevent a data breach is to be prepared. Organizations like Comport can help you create a data protection plan that encompasses security, wireless access, backup, disaster recovery and more. Stay vigilant and prepared!
Talk to the experts at Comport today!
