Security breaches are a major threat to companies of all sizes. No matter how many security measures you have in place, if the right hacker gets access to your system, they can cause significant damage and losses.
Businesses must take proactive steps to prevent security breaches from occurring in the first place. But what should a company do after experiencing a breach? In this article, we will discuss the key steps that need to be taken once a breach has occurred and why a good managed service provider is essential for better security.
What to Do After a Major Security Breach
Experiencing a breach in security is stressful. Companies need to have a security plan in place that outlines the steps to take in the event of a security breach.
1. Identify the Source of the Breach
The first step in responding to a breach is to identify where it originated. For example, ask the following questions:
- Did someone open a phishing email?
- Did someone download a malicious file?
- Did an account get hacked because of a weak password?
- Which security protocols were not followed properly?
Identifying the source of the breach will help you determine how far-reaching it was and what damage was done. Doing so helps companies take necessary steps to make sure similar security breaches don’t happen again.
2. Investigate the Breach and Protect Data
Once the source of the breach has been identified, companies should investigate its scope. This involves taking steps to protect any compromised data and mitigating any potential security risks. Companies should also be sure to keep detailed records of their security breach investigation, which may be necessary for legal compliance.
3. Secure Your Accounts
While you’re investigating the breach, secure all of your accounts. Change passwords and security questions for any affected accounts. Make sure that only authorized personnel can gain access.
4. Fix Any Vulnerabilities in Your System
After identifying the source of the breach, fix any security vulnerabilities that allowed for the breach to occur. Apply security patches and updates where necessary, as well as implement additional security measures if needed.
5. Notify the Appropriate Authorities
It’s important to notify security authorities in your region if you experience a security breach. Depending on the type of breach, there may be federal laws that require companies to report incidents. The security authorities can help assess the damage and provide guidance on how to move forward.
6. Notify Customers/Users
If the security breach has impacted customers or users, notify them as soon as possible. Send letters or emails explaining what happened and what steps you’re taking to prevent similar incidents in the future.
7. Take Action to Prevent a Recurrence
Once the breach has been identified and security authorities notified, data breach prevention is next and it’s time to take action. Companies should focus on strengthening security protocols and tightening security measures to prevent future security breaches.
This may include implementing additional layers of security such as two-factor authentication, encrypting data stored in your systems, or switching to different managed service providers.
My Company Encountered a Security Breach. Should I Switch Managed Service Providers?
If your company is partnered with a managed service provider, but you still experienced a security breach, absolutely switch providers. The main responsibility of a provider is to help your business avoid data breaches, and if they are not providing the security measures needed to keep your business safe, then it’s time for a switch.
Any managed service provider worth their salt should be able to provide you with security tools that will help protect against security breaches in the future.
The Advantages of Switching Managed Security Providers
Switching security providers can help your business with data breach prevention in a variety of ways. Not only will you get more security options and better security tools, but you’ll also have access to support and expertise that can be beneficial in helping your business avoid breaches of security in the future.
For instance, a good security provider will also be able to set up systems that allow for more proactive security, such as automated security scans and monitoring. These services can help your business stay ahead of security threats and help ensure that security breaches are less likely to happen in the future.
What to Look for in a Provider Before Switching
Switching security providers can be a difficult process. However, if your company has experienced a security breach due to inadequate security measures, switching could be the best decision you make to reduce the chances of another breach in the future. Before changing security providers, look for the following services and characteristics:
- Experience providing security solutions in your industry
- Expert customer support and quick response time
- Proactive security measures and 24/7 monitoring
- Comprehensive, personalized security solutions
- A good reputation and customer reviews
Don’t Neglect Proper IT Solutions
In 2020, the cybersecurity world witnessed a 5.2% surge in malicious files per day, and Kaspersky detected an average of 360,000 daily new threats created. Cybercriminals are continuously developing new techniques and tools to gain access to sensitive information.
With a weak IT solution, businesses are not only leaving themselves vulnerable to these attacks but also risking hefty fines and reputational damage for failing to comply with compliance regulations.
Proper IT solutions include investing in security measures that protect a business’s network and systems (i.e., having the right security protocols, such as two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and regularly updating security features). Most important, it includes partnering with a managed service provider who understands the security needs of your business.
The IT Professionals at TrinWare Will Take Care of Your Security Needs
Security breaches can have a devastating effect on any business. That’s why at TrinWare, we go above and beyond to provide businesses with comprehensive IT security solutions so they can rest easy knowing that their data is protected.
We provide managed services and specialize in security solutions such as cybersecurity, business continuity, compliance, and more. Our team of professionals have the experience and knowledge necessary to suggest security solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of your business.
Contact us today to learn more about how TrinWare can help your business stay secure and compliant.