With today’s heavily cyber-based business structures, data breaches are relatively common. Cybercriminals are highly aware of the amount of private information stored on company servers and are eager to obtain it.
Having the proper cyber insurance and security protocols in place, and knowing the steps to take after a data breach is vital in protecting sensitive information.
What to Do After a Data Breach
Here are a few things your company should do after a data breach:
- Disconnect Internet: Disconnecting internet access and shutting down remote pathways are key first steps.
- Change Passwords: This is a simple yet crucial step. After you’ve experienced a data breach, be sure to change all passwords, keeping in mind that each account should have differing passwords to minimize future threats.
- Install Security Software Updates: If any of your cyber security software needs updating, now is the time. Top-of-the-line and up-to-date security systems are the best way to prevent data breaches.
- Determine the Scope: Investigate who had access to servers during the attack, what programs or accounts were targeted, and how much data was compromised.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider: Once you’ve taken steps to slow or stop the cyber threat, notify your insurance provider immediately. They will advise you on the following steps and provide further resources.
- Release Information to Employees: Keeping your employees in the loop is essential. Promptly releasing information about the data breach will help your team stay vigilant to any follow-up threats.
- Create a Plan to Share With Customers: Customers will immediately be concerned about their exposed information. Being fully transparent and sharing how your business plans to remedy the data breach lowers stress and keeps customers’ trust.
The Quicker, The Better
The quicker you can tackle the above steps, the better. Cybercriminals tend to have more success the longer they have access to your company’s information.
If your business recently experienced a cyber attack and you have questions about the next steps or want to update your cyber insurance policy, please contact Steve Longenecker (303-808-9351 x2) at Mountain Insurance: Longmont.
We give out $25 gift cards for referrals that become our insurance clients.
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