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What should you do if a cyber attack happens?

Home >> Articles >> What should you do if a cyber attack happens?
  • May 14, 2021
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Sadly, as we have written before, cyber attacks and cybercrime on small businesses are becoming more and more prevalent. We have noted in a previous blog how you can keep your work safe and secure. However, what do you do if the horse has already bolted? These are some things that you should action in the event that your business is targeted in a cyber attack.

What is a cyber attack?

Let’s answer this basic question first of all. A cyber attack is a criminal activity where a computer system, network or application is hacked. The aim is usually to destroy data or steal data which can then be held to ransom.

What do you know if you’re the victim of a cyber attack?

Firstly, identify the source and extent of the breach. The easiest way to do this is with either an intrusion detection/prevention system. It will help you to log the source of the breach, what files have been accessed and what actions have been taken by the intruder.

Secondly, alert the appropriate team to fix the breach and test the fix. If you have an in-house IT team then it will be down to them to root out and resolve the problem. Alternatively, if you outsource your IT (by using a company like WebbyTech), let them know as soon as possible. Once the problem appears to be fixed, it is always important to test security once again to prevent further breaches.

Finally, inform the authorities and affected customers. In the rush to get the problem fixed this is all too often something that gets overlooked. However, if customers’ data is accessed in a breach they need to know about it – so they can secure that data themselves. And, cyber-attacks are crimes – it’s important to report the breach to the authorities. The sooner the better.

How to prevent cyber attacks in the future.

Luckily, whilst cyber attacks can be damaging for your business there are some simple and practical steps that you can take to ensure that you are putting protection in place. These include:

  • Control access to data – At a simple level this means making sure everyone has their own passwords and accounts, and that employees aren’t given access to more programs or data than they need to do their job.
  • As always, knowledge is power and the more awareness that your team has of potential risks of cyber attacks and things that they can do to mitigate those risks – the safer your network will be.
  • Antivirus software – This one should be straightforward enough, but make sure you have it and that you keep it up to date on all the computers in your network to ensure you limit the opportunity for a breach.

Hopefully from this blog, you’ve been able to take away some useful and practical tips on what you can do in the event that your business falls victim to cybercrime. However, like other forms of crime, the best way to prevent it from happening is to protect yourself from it.

At Webbytech we work with businesses across Essex and London to put in place secure systems that put business owners’ minds at ease. Learn more about how we can help you secure your business here.