What to Do After You Detect a Digital Security Threat

Hackers are smart. They are always changing their methods, making it difficult to stay on top of your cyber security.

The right SOC security program can make all the difference if you are hacked. Not only can it help protect your systems, it can also drastically reduce the amount of time it takes your team to discover the potential security threat, enabling you to take care of the problem before any serious damage is done.

The question is, what exactly do you do when you realize your system has detected a security threat? No matter how much time has passed between the security breach and your team’s discovery, there are a few things you should do to get started remediating the problem. 

Change Passwords

This is the first thing you need to do – change all your passwords. That includes passwords for the system that was hacked, but it also includes passwords for other systems and applications. Your employees should change their passwords as well.

Once a system is hacked, the hacker has access to the passwords used to enter the system. If you take care of the hole in your security, but don’t change your passwords, the hacker can continue logging into your system.

Make sure the passwords you choose are strong. Tips to make sure that’s the case include:

• Don’t choose a password that is similar to previous passwords.
• Make your passwords longer rather than shorter.
• Use numbers, symbols, and capital letters throughout the password.
• Use nonsense words and avoid identifying information.

A password manager can help too. That way, you and your employees aren’t tempted to reuse the same password for multiple systems in the name of not having to remember so many passwords.

Move Sensitive Data

Once you determine which systems were hacked, you have to dig deep into those systems to see what information was accessed. Then, that information should be moved to another system.

Even information that wasn’t accessed yet has the potential to be accessed in the future if a hacker figures out how to get back into that system again. That’s why it’s a good idea to move all sensitive data, even if the particular data in question hasn’t been accessed by a third party just yet.

Contact Your Web Host

Anyone can get hacked. It isn’t something to be ashamed of, so you should reach out and ask for help from anyone willing to give it.

Your web hosting service is one great source of information. Not only do they want to know when their customers have been hacked to make sure the service is secure on their end, they may also be able to provide you with tips for overcoming the situation quickly. They may even be able to provide you with resources and app recommendations for removing malware.

If you find that your web host isn’t very helpful, it’s a good sign that it’s time to choose a different web host.

Be Transparent

It’s normal to want to clean up behind the scenes and move on with business as usual, but that can get you in a lot of trouble in the long run. 

No matter what the hack included, or what kind of information was accessed, you should always tell your customers that you have been hacked. You should also tell them exactly how you’re remedying the situation. They will probably be angry, but they won’t be nearly as angry as they would have been if they found out their information was potentially compromised and you didn’t say anything.

Plan What You’ll Do If It Happens Again

Hopefully, you’ll learn some important information after being hacked that will help you prevent it from happening again in the future. However, as mentioned before, hackers are smart. Just because you update your systems doesn’t mean you’re safe.

That’s why it’s important to plan what you would do if you experience another attack. Make sure your employees are fully trained on the latest security information, how to use your systems, and what to do if they suspect a breach.

Then, run mock hacks with your IT department. By working out the kinks now, you can ensure a future security threat isn’t devastating to your business.

Finding out your security system has been compromised is the first step, but then you have to know what to do about it! With the tips on this list, you can move forward with confidence and enjoy safer, more secure digital systems.

Read Full Article Here - What to Do After You Detect a Digital Security Threat

from TechGYD.COM https://ift.tt/325rOHk