If you own a small business, cybersecurity should be one of your top concerns. Not convinced? Consider that the average cost of a cyber attack on a small business is $200,000. Would your business be able to survive this kind of a loss?
While the best thing you can do is take steps to ensure you never suffer an attack, it’s also smart to know what to do when hacked. Review these tips and keep them handy in case the unthinkable happens.
What to Do When Hacked: 5 Simple Steps
If you realize you’ve been hacked the very first thing you need to do is STAY CALM. If you panic, you’re likely to make poor decisions, so take a deep breath and follow these simple steps.
1. Contain the Problem
Start by minimizing the damage. Before you do anything else:
- Run an anti-virus program
- Reset all of your passwords
- Determine what files and systems have been compromised
- Remove corrupted files
While this won’t do much to fix the hack, it will help keep additional problems from arising.
2. Get Help
Depending on the level of service your web host provides, they may or may not be willing to help you. If you don’t get help from them, contact a professional IT company, like OnsiteIn60, right away. While there will be some cost involved, now is not a time to try to DIY the problem.
Make sure you’re prepared to provide as much information as possible about what happened and the steps you’ve already taken. It’s also important to note that many IT companies give preference to current customers.
To avoid finding yourself in a precarious position, consider hiring an IT company ahead of time. Not only will this likely give you priority support, but it may help you avoid getting hacked in the first place.
3. Seek Legal Advice
Depending on the extent of the hack, you may have some legal liability. The laws vary depending on where your business is located and the type of industry you’re in. Make sure you consult with a legal professional right away so you know how to properly handle the situation.
4. Be Transparent
You’re required by law to inform your customers of a hack that involved their personal information.
You should also be transparent with anyone else who might have been affected, including employees and vendors. In some cases, you may also be required to inform regulatory agencies.
5. Repair and Rebuild
You’ll want to get your business up and running and start repairing your reputation as quickly as possible. If you haven’t already hired a professional IT company, now is a great time to do so. These professionals should be able to help you create a plan to get things back to normal so you can get back to doing what you do best.
Explore More Business Tips!
Now that you know exactly what to do when hacked, you have the information you need to help keep your business safe. Now, it’s time to figure out how to make your business even more successful.
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