Cybersecurity Breach: What to Do in the First 24 Hours

A cybersecurity breach can be a harrowing experience, but you can minimise its impact with the right preparation and swift action. Sadly, in this connected world, a breach is not a question of "if," but "when." Knowing how to respond swiftly within the first 24 hours of a cyber threat can mean the difference between a contained incident and a full-blown disaster.

 

Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do when your business is targeted.

 

1. Identify the Breach

The first and most crucial step is recognising that a cybersecurity breach has occurred. Early detection depends on monitoring tools and vigilant employees. Unusual activity on network logs, unauthorised access attempts, or a sudden spike in data traffic are all potential indicators. If you suspect something is wrong, it can be bad news. Trust your instincts and begin the investigation immediately.

 

2. Isolate Affected Systems

Once you've identified a potential breach, the goalpost shifts. Now the priority is to contain the damage. Isolate affected systems from the rest of the network to prevent the spread of malicious activity. This involves disconnecting specific devices, shutting down certain operations, or even cutting off network access completely till order is restored. The only goal here is to stop spreading the breach.

 

3. Notify Stakeholders

Like all disaster management plans, communication is critical in the early stages of Cyber threats. Notify key stakeholders, including the executive team, IT staff, and any relevant third-party vendors. Check with the compliance team if any regulatory bodies need to be informed, depending on the nature of the data compromised. This transparency ensures that everyone is aware of the issue and can help mitigate the risk. Inform customers or partners, in case their data may be compromised.

 

4. Secure Evidence

Preserving evidence is important for understanding the cybersecurity breach and making sure it does not happen again. Do not tamper with affected systems until experts have analysed them. Ensure that logs and files are securely backed up. Document the actions taken during the breach response. This document will come in handy for post-incident analysis.

 

5. Activate Incident Response Plan

If your organisation has a cybersecurity incident response plan in place, now is the time to activate it. A well-structured Incident Response Plan should outline the specific steps to follow, who is responsible for each task, and the communication protocols to follow. This plan will guide your team through the chaos and help ensure nothing critical is overlooked.

 

6. Assess the Situation

With the immediate cyber threat contained and the response plan activated, it's time to assess the scope of the breach. Determine which systems were affected, what data may have been compromised, and how the breach occurred. This analysis will help you with the recovery efforts.

 

Be Prepared, Not Surprised

The first 24 hours are critical in the event of a cybersecurity breach. By following these steps, you can ensure that your response is as effective as possible. Remember, being prepared is the best defence.