Responding to a security breach: Things businesses need to know!

Hybrid IT environments is the new reality of businesses across various niches and industries. Businesses are using on-premise solutions as usual, with cloud services, and while the benefits are real for sure, there are also inherent risks. Maintaining a proactive stance towards cybersecurity is critical for enterprises, regardless of other factors. Most security breaches can be prevented by taking the right steps, but what should be the response when an incident happens? In this post, we are discussing more on the steps involved following a security breach.

1. Identify the breach

Investigating security breaches can be an expensive affair, but a necessary step. You need to know what caused the breach. Was it related to a hacking attempt? Or did an employee lose an important laptop? Identifying the breach allows a company to understand the impact of the incident.

2. Find the affected IT assets

If you have figured out the breach, the next step is to identify the networking assets and IT resources that may have been impacted. This just gives a fair idea of how serious the breach is and the following steps that must be taken.

3. Restore security

The obvious next step is to restore security, and it has to be done as quickly as possible for maximum damage control. Update the firmware and software programs as required, do a double check and ensure that the entire system is up and running. If required, take steps to recover data and make sure that all the retrieved data is safe.

4. Record everything

Security breaches can have serious consequences for an enterprise. Regulatory authorities will seek a reply in no time, and it is necessary to have all data and records in place, so that reputational damage can be reduced by making the right announcements. A prompt press statement is a great way of addressing the issue, but that’s only possible when an internal investigation has been completed.

5. Improve your security measures

Eventually, you would want to have some positive takeaway from the breach, and that is all about finding and fixing loopholes in your security perimeters. Basic security measures, such as using strong passwords, relying on antivirus software, password management tools, and firewalls, can make a huge difference.

If you have on-premise IT resources, which is likely, ensure that your office and premises are secured with advanced cameras and products. Recovering from a breach will be easier when you improve security measures and regain trust of customers and the market.