How to Respond to a Cyber Incident? [Video]

No one expects to be the next cyber victim, but on the off day that your business does get hit, do you know what to do? Do your employees know how to respond? Rob Schenk lays out what to do when your business is faced with a cyber incident. 

In today's digital age, cyber incidents are increasingly common, posing significant threats to businesses of all sizes. Understanding how to effectively respond to a cyberattack is crucial for minimizing damage and ensuring a swift recovery. This article will guide you through the essential steps in responding to a cyber incident and protecting your business from future threats. 

What is a Cyber Incident? 

A cyber incident refers to any event that disrupts or impacts an IT environment, typically driven by malicious actors seeking financial gain. These incidents can range in severity and often involve unauthorized access to data, service disruptions, or extortion attempts. Common examples include data breaches, DNS spoofing, and ransomware attacks. 

How to Respond to a Cyber Incident 

Recognizing early warning signs and differentiating between minor events and major incidents is vital. Here are the initial steps to take when faced with a cyber incident: 

1. Assess the Situation: Understand the scope and impact of the incident. Determine the extent of the breach and which systems or data have been affected. 
2. Contain and Mitigate: Immediately take action to contain the threat and minimize damage. Isolate affected systems to prevent the spread of the attack. 
3. Preserve Evidence: Ensure all data related to the incident is preserved for forensic analysis. This step is crucial for understanding the attack and preventing future incidents. 
4. Contact Insurance and Legal Counsel: Notify your cyber insurance provider and seek legal advice if necessary. These steps can help manage the financial and legal implications of the incident. 

Effective communication and a designated incident response team are critical during this stressful time. Clear roles and responsibilities can help manage the situation more efficiently and reduce operational disruptions. 

What to Do Once the Incident Has Been Resolved 

After containing the incident, a thorough forensic analysis is essential. Key questions to address include: 

1. When did the incident start?
2. How did the threat actor gain access?
3. What systems were impacted?
4. What data was accessed or stolen? 

Understanding these aspects allows for better restoration and helps prevent future attacks. Restoration and continuous monitoring are ongoing processes. Ensure systems are securely restored and keep a vigilant eye for any signs of recurring threats. Partnering with a skilled team for security monitoring can manage complex threats and ensure ongoing protection. 

Post-incident, focus on recovery and learning. Conduct a thorough review to identify what went well and what needs improvement. Reflecting on the incident helps improve your response plan and ensures better preparedness for future threats. 

Regular training for employees is crucial. Frequent updates and simulations can keep them informed and ready to respond to incidents effectively. Make incident response a cultural norm within your organization through regular training and tabletop exercises. 

How to Protect Your Business Against a Cyber Incident 

Given the rising rate of cyber-attacks, it's crucial to be prepared. The best way to prepare for a cyber incident is to have a tailored Incident Response Plan (IRP). An IRP can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a prolonged crisis. 

Work with experts to develop and continuously update your plan, ensuring it meets industry standards and addresses your organization's unique needs. At Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), we offer comprehensive IR Readiness Services, helping you build an effective response plan customized for your organization. 

For more information or to start developing your Incident Response Plan, contact us at secure@itsasap.com or schedule a cybersecurity consultation with one of our consultants. Together, we can secure your environment and build resilience against cyber threats.