If your company’s database has been hacked, the aftermath can be devastating.
Only in the first half of 2022, there were over 53 million individuals whose data was being compromised.
Don’t let your clients and staff join the victims. Follow the steps we’ve listed below, and your cybersecurity will improve.
Beware Of The Early Signs
This is a big part of handling a data breach. Before enacting any other measures, you must be sure that the violation has happened. Ensure all your employees are well-trained to spot the early indications of a data breach.
Some examples can include the following:
- Missing data;
- Incorrect/altered information;
- Unusual customer reports/complaints.
The faster you act in the wake of a data breach, the more time you have to limit to damage caused.
Tell Those Who’ve Been Affected
If someone’s sensitive information has been compromised due to your company database being hacked, you have a legal responsibility to tell them what has happened.
Make sure they’re aware of the specific information that’s been exposed. You also need to tell them as soon as is reasonably possible.
If you fail to notify someone of their hacked information, there could be further legal ramifications. Your clients must be able to carry out their measures to limit the potential damage to their lives.
Re-evaluate Your Cybersecurity Procedures
A data breach can occur due to inadequate or outdated software. For instance, you may still need to download the most recent update to your device.
If you outsource your cybersecurity to an external firm, immediately reach out and alert them to the breach. Ask them to check the security measures and see how they can be improved.
You may also need specific tools to keep your company databases safe. The good idea is to get a VPN app if you haven’t already. A VPN can add another layer to your cybersecurity by:
- Masking your IP address;
- Encrypting your information;
- Keeping your search history private;
Update Your Passwords
Weak passwords can be one of the easiest things to rectify. If you’ve been hacked, it could have been down to something as simple as the hacker knowing your passwords.
Change them as soon as possible. This is not just limited to your company databases but also ancillary accounts such as any social media associated with your organization.
Don’t use simple or easy-to-guess passwords. Make sure to use lower and upper case letters, as well as numbers and special characters such as punctuation.
54% of organizations don’t use a password manager to help them keep track of all the passwords they’ve created. This can lead staff to use simpler passwords that are easier to remember.
However, the simpler the password, the easier it can be for hackers to guess or work out. Use a password management tool to log unique and complex passwords for your company’s accounts.
Change Where You Store Your Data
Once your data has been breached, you should reconsider where and how you store sensitive information.
For example, you may have databases stored in a cloud-based service such as Google Drive. Once you’ve changed your passwords, it could be helpful to save any future data directly to a device instead.
If the data was saved on a particular device, ensure its security is evaluated before using it. Consider an alternative way of safeguarding your sensitive information to avoid future issues. You can try air-gapped backups, known for keeping information offline and in secure locations.
Look Into Making A Claim
If your cybersecurity measures were not up to scratch, you could be owed compensation from the firm that handles your safety procedures. However, don’t hesitate to fill in the claim, as particular legal action can be time-sensitive. In other words, you’ll want to act as soon as possible, so you don’t miss your opportunity.
You’ll need evidence that a data breach has taken place. Make sure you have as much proof as possible to support your claim.
Don’t Repeat Your Mistakes
Once you’ve addressed a data breach, ensure you don’t overlook the weakness in your cybersecurity that caused it. Company data breaches taking place can be a negative experience, but one you can learn from.
The tips in this list can all help you get up and running again following a data breach. While they can all be effective in isolation, the chances of another data breach are reduced even further if you put as many as you can into practice.
In other words, there’s no such thing as being too safe regarding the security of your company’s databases.