ARWith businesses being targeted consistently by cyber criminals, the awareness around how to effectively respond and recover from a hacking attempt is something that businesses need to prioritise. As Cyber Security Month continues, have a look below around how to identify and respond to a hacking attempt.
Identify an attempt
If someone has gained access to your system, hackers can take different approaches when in control. Below are some signs that indicate an account or system may have been compromised.
Your business receives a ransom demand
Passwords no longer work
Staff are unable to use their devices
Notifications start appearing around suspicious log-in attempts from a different part of the world
Email contacts or followers receive phishing emails
Money is missing from business accounts
Responding efficiently
As soon as someone has identified a hacking attempt, businesses need to ensure they respond and react in a timely manner. Here are some steps to take when responding to a hack.
Change any passwords that you have reused across the business
Notify any additional platforms where your account may have been compromised
Report the incident to the Information Commissioners Office or Action Fraud if necessary
Communicate with users who may be affected or additionaly targeted (e.g. email contacts and social media followers)
Protect your business
As well as responding to an attack, businesses need to equally ensure they are prepared for when an attack may happen so it can be effectively prevented. Here are some of the key duties' businesses should implement.
Reviewing business IT security policies
Ensuring cyber security software is incorporated onto staff devices
Ensuring a data protection officer is in place and aware of procedures.
Ensuring different passwords are used for different accounts
Providing platforms to staff that allow secure data exchange
Preparing a disaster recovery plan that is regularly reviewed
Regularly drilling staff on breaches to test processes
If you need support managing your cyber-security practices within business, take a look at our Edtesa product page, where there’s a variety of options on hand to assist you. You can also visit our security page for more details.
