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It’s Monday morning, and your team arrives at work ready to get started on the week’s tasks. The office is filled with the noise of keyboards tapping as employees attempt to open up their desktops, but then all sound stops – the software isn’t working. It appears to be locked.
Whispers grow louder as employees puzzle over why their computers aren’t working. Then a message pops up informing you that your system has been hacked and a hefty ransom is the only means of getting it back.
It sounds far-fetched, but ransomware is on the rise. It’s every small business owner’s nightmare, and if you don’t have small business IT support to help you out, it can cause havoc.
If you ever find yourself in this unenviable situation, here’s what you can do to minimize the damage.
Recognize The Signs Of A Hack Attempt
A ransomware attack locks and encrypts data. Small businesses are common targets because they often lack online security, but not all hackers are ransomware criminals. So, how can you tell when hackers have struck? Look for these signs:
- Changes to files
- More spam emails
- Unusual financial activity
- A leak of confidential data
There’s no need to panic if any unusual behavior is noticed. A website and domain host will be able to spot any redirects. If the hackers have added malicious content to a site, a web host will be able to see it as well.
One thing small business owners shouldn’t do is hit the delete button and try to erase everything. The data is needed to find out how the breach happened. Deleting everything makes that job harder and won’t necessarily get rid of the malicious software.
Ransomware attacks are on the rise, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest news and know the kind of attack vectors that are being used.
Act Quickly and Stay Calm
This step is easier said than done, but a clear plan of action is required if you want to protect your data. Disconnecting the business from the internet is the first step. If that’s not possible, it’s time to update all passwords.
The next step is to quarantine any infected devices or technology and remove any incorrect content on websites or social media accounts. Taking these initial steps can help minimize any further damage.
Inform Customers and Stakeholders
Transparency is vital. Act swiftly, and others will judge you on how the business handles the crisis rather than the hack itself. This was precisely what we saw with the Kaseya ransomware attack.
Customers have a right to know which aspects of their personal data have been compromised. Letting them know what’s being done to solve the problem is essential, as is staying in regular contact. The more businesses stay in touch, the less damage is done to hard-earned reputations.
Seek Legal Advice
Speak to a lawyer and review all business policies. If hackers have stolen large amounts of personal data, legal advice is crucial. You may also be required to contact specific government agencies to make them aware of potential data breaches. Designate a team member to be the primary contact for all involved agencies as this will prevent any confusion.
Minimize Your Risk
Business owners and department managers must create a cybersecurity plan. Treating the plan like a fire drill ensures consistency. Run through it regularly, making sure everyone knows their role if hackers strike again.
There’s no foolproof way to protect yourself completely against hackers. If the worst happens, follow the steps above, and you should be able to weather the storm.
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