I think my organisation has been hacked. What do I do?

Essential Steps to initiate recovery

1. Assess the Situation: Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the situation. Identify any signs of unauthorised access, data exposure, or suspicious activities on your network.
2. Isolate and Contain: Act quickly to isolate affected systems or compromised accounts. This helps prevent further damage and limits the potential spread of the breach.
3. Report the Incident: Promptly report the incident to relevant authorities and your internal IT security team. Cybersecurity agencies and law enforcement may need to be informed, depending on the severity of the breach.
4. Engage with Cybersecurity Experts: Seek assistance from cybersecurity professionals to analyze the breach, identify vulnerabilities, and develop a comprehensive recovery plan. Agencies such as Queensland Tech offer specialised services to guide organisations through the recovery process. more info: Queensland Tech Security Solutions
5. Implement Restoration Protocols: Work closely with cybersecurity experts to implement restoration protocols. This may involve restoring compromised systems from clean backups, patching vulnerabilities, and strengthening overall security measures.
6. Communicate Transparently: Keep stakeholders, employees, and customers informed about the incident. Transparent communication builds trust and helps manage the aftermath of a cyber incident.
7. Enhance Security Measures: Use the incident as an opportunity to enhance your organisation’s security posture. Implement stronger access controls, update security policies, and invest in cybersecurity training for employees.
8. Monitor for Resurgence: Stay vigilant for any signs of a resurgence or repeated attacks. Implement continuous monitoring and threat detection to identify and neutralise potential threats in real-time.
9. Educate Employees: Cybersecurity awareness among employees is crucial. Conduct regular training sessions to educate staff about the latest threats, phishing scams, and best practices for maintaining a secure digital environment.
10. Regularly Update Security Protocols: Cyber threats evolve, so should your security protocols. Regularly update and test security measures to stay ahead of potential risks.

Remember, a swift and well-coordinated response is key to minimizing the impact of a cyber incident. By taking these proactive steps, you can not only recover from a hack but also fortify your organisation against future threats.

Security Solutions