If your SMB has been hacked, the first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and know you’re not alone. A data breach for SMBs can be overwhelming, but there are IT experts that can guide you through this and help you come out stronger and better equipped for the future. Small and medium businesses are increasingly becoming targets of cybercrime. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
This blog post will walk you through the immediate steps you need to take after your business has been hacked, as well as some SMB cybersecurity best practices to avoid an attack in the first place. We’ll also discuss some business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) solutions that can help get your business back up and running if disaster strikes.
First Steps
So, let’s get started. The first thing you need to do after your SMB has been hacked is to assess the situation. What information was accessed or stolen? How did the attackers gain access to your systems? Once you understand what happened, you can begin taking steps to mitigate the damage and prevent it from happening again.
You’ll also need to contact law enforcement and file a report. This is important not only for investigating the crime but also for protecting your business in the future. If you have insurance, you’ll need to contact your provider and let them know what happened. They may be able to help cover some of the costs associated with the attack.
Prevention
Of course, it’s always better to avoid an attack in the first place. There are a few key things you can do to reduce your risk of being hacked:
- Keep your software up to date: This includes both your operating system and any applications you use. Hackers constantly find new ways to exploit old vulnerabilities, so it’s important to patch your systems as soon as updates are available.
- Use strong passwords: This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people still use “password” or “123456” as their password. Make sure your passwords are long, complex, and unique.
- Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password.
- Educate your employees: Make sure your employees know the importance of SMB cybersecurity and how to spot potential threats. Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it’s crucial that your employees are aware of the dangers.
BCDR Solutions
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, there’s always a chance that a cyberattack could hit your business. That’s why it’s important to have a BCDR solution in place. A BCDR solution is a comprehensive plan that includes data backup, disaster recovery, and security.
Data backup is important because it allows you to restore your information if it’s lost or stolen. Disaster recovery planning is essential because it helps you get your business back up and running after an attack, increasing your chances of a full recovery. Tailored SMB cybersecurity services offered by IT professionals also help prevent attacks in the first place.
We’re Local Experts in SMB Cybersecurity: Contact Axiom
No business is immune to cybercrime, but you can take steps to reduce your risk. Be sure to keep your software up to date, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and educate your employees. And most importantly, have a BCDR solution in place so you’re prepared if disaster strikes.
Do you have any questions about cybersecurity for SMBs? Contact Axiom today for a cybersecurity risk assessment. We’ll help keep your business safe and teach you and your employees how to prevent cyberattacks, mitigate damage, or prepare a BCDR plan.