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You’re Facing a Cyberattack; Now What?

You're Facing a Cyberattack; Now What?

In today’s digital business world, hackers are after your most precious asset—your data. Companies, especially small businesses, need to stay vigilant to keep their network secure. According to MSNBC, small businesses make up 43 percent of online attack victims, and only 14 percent are prepared to defend themselves from these threats. It’s a big job, but with the help of a business partner—like your technology solutions provider (TSP)—you can ride the waves of a cyberattack and recover faster.

Partnering with a TSP provides someone to guide you during a crisis. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways that you and your TSP can minimize the damage following a cyberattack.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your business.

1. Get the Word Out
Ransomware and other cyber threats can spread quickly, so don’t waste any time letting stakeholders know you’ve been attacked. Tell your employees about the attack and share the steps they need to take.

Also, keep in mind that you may need to tell the authorities and customers with compromised data about the attack. Most states and U.S. territories have laws in place that require companies to send data breach notifications to consumers when their personally identifiable information may be compromised. The worst thing you can do is try to sweep your data breach under the rug because this may cause irreparable harm to your company’s reputation.

2. Isolate the Infection

As you’re letting the key stakeholders within your company know about the attack, you should move quickly to stop the spread of the breach. To do this, you need to remove all infected computers from the network as soon the compromised machines are identified. However, before you start unplugging computers, please consult your IT specialist.

3. Determine What Was Stolen

This step is sometimes overlooked in the commotion of the initial news of the attack, but it’s a critical step. Knowing what was stolen will determine the priority of which things need to get fixed first and what steps need to be taken. The process for handling a hack may be different for compromised emails versus compromised bank account numbers.

4. Invest in New Security Solutions

Once the attack has ended and the damage contained, it’s time to start rebuilding. To do this, you’ll need to replace the failed security software and hardware with a new, up-to-date solution. In addition to software, make sure to deploy new protocols and training to strengthen your company’s security.

How We Can Help

Hopefully, you’ll never have to experience an attack that requires you to do the steps listed above. One of the easiest ways to prevent the fallout of an attack is by improving your cybersecurity before an incident occurs. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let us protect your business. Our team of cybersecurity professionals can run vulnerability audits and fortify any weaknesses in your network before hackers can exploit them.

Protect Your Most Valuable Asset

Partner up with us, and we’ll secure your network from the unknown. Let’s Connect.

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Jim Harryman

Jim is the fearless leader of the Kinetic team. He founded Kinetic more than two decades ago with one simple purpose – make technology do what it promises to do. He has spent the last 25 years doing just that. Every IT system Jim mans is fully subservient to its owner. When he isn’t reveling in new technology, he spends time with his wife Julia and their two sons who are grown, married, and both expecting babies.

CJ Jackson

Meet CJ Jackson, a technical expert with 12 years in customer service and a tech journey sparked by the Apple Store Genius Bar. Recognized for patient issue resolution, CJ excels in teaching and empowering users. As Kinetic’s Configuration Specialist for 3 months, CJ is passionate about simplifying lives through tech. Beyond work, CJ explores cuisines, enjoys concerts, and embraces RomComs. The motto: Choose what’s right over what’s easy. CJ aspires to be remembered as a happy, eager, and passionate soul, inspired by daily opportunities to make a difference. Expect tech-savviness, culinary adventures, and unwavering commitment to everything done.

Julia Harryman

Julia Harryman, our resident efficiency specialist, has a unique background that is not typical of IT. Armed with a Master’s in Education for Technology Leadership, Julia has been an integral part of our team since 2012. Fueled by a constant supply of (insert current caffeinated beverage here) , she’s is a driving force behind our streamlined operations, ensuring that our company runs seamlessly.

Richie Owen

Richie Owen is an adept IT professional known for his innovative problem-solving. With a strong background in security systems for financial institutions over the past nine years, Richie excels in resolving networking and cabling challenges. Off-duty, he’s a bass-playing musician and a dirt bike enthusiast. In his six months at Kinetic, Richie has demonstrated his expertise, further supported by almost a decade of experience in low-voltage systems. He values human connections, citing music as his perpetual motivation. Richie’s love for limeade with tea and his belief that people make life meaningful reflect his distinctive character.

Chad Thorne

Chad bought his very first Mac as a senior in high school and hasn’t looked back since. To him, pushing the limit involves figuring out just how far he can push the performance on a Mac and testing his own IT knowledge and capabilities at the same time. This Cowtown native is super handy when it comes to configuring and deploying business networks and is one of 14 people on the planet who actually knows where ALL of the wires go.