What to Do in the Event of a Cybersecurity Attack: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity attacks are a constant threat. From leaked customer data to paralyzed systems, the consequences of a breach can be severe, damaging your reputation, exposing you to legal risks, and racking up significant costs. Cybercriminals may even demand a ransom, with no guarantees your data will be returned or that they won’t target you again.

While no one likes to imagine becoming a victim, being unprepared can amplify the fallout. Having a Written Information Security Program (WISP), including a well-designed Incident Response Plan (IR Plan), is not just best practice—it’s legally required in some states.

If your business experiences a breach, the following 7 steps will help guide you through the critical hours and days that follow. And when you need expert help, Whittlesey Technology is here to provide tailored guidance, whether responding to a breach or building a robust WISP to protect your business.

Essential Steps to Take After a Cybersecurity Breach

Alert Your IT Support Team Immediately

The first step is containment. Notify your IT team or provider immediately to take emergency actions, such as:

• Locking out attackers
• Terminating compromised sessions
• Changing affected passwords

Preserve all system log files and document the timeline of events. These records will be essential for investigating the breach and identifying its scope.

Engage Whittlesey Technology’s Cyber Forensics Experts

Understanding how the attack occurred and what data was compromised is critical. Our team at Whittlesey Technology will:

• Investigate the breach to determine its origin
• Identify which data was accessed or stolen
• Assess whether sensitive information was compromised, triggering reporting obligations

This initial assessment is key to crafting a precise and effective response.

Notify Your Cyber Insurance Provider

If you have cyber liability insurance, alert your insurer immediately to start the claims process.

Pro Tip: Clarify your policy terms in advance to ensure you can rely on your preferred local experts, like Whittlesey Technology, during an incident.

Coordinate a Strategy Call with Your Response Team

Bring together your privacy attorney, Whittlesey Technology’s forensics team, and your IT professionals to align on next steps. This collaborative approach ensures compliance with data breach laws and minimizes risks. Key areas to address include:

• Legal notification requirements for affected parties
• Public communications strategies
• Immediate measures to prevent further breaches

Reinforce Your IT Systems

After containing the breach, it’s vital to address vulnerabilities and prevent future incidents. Whittlesey Technology can help with:

• Providing cybersecurity training for employees
• Reviewing and strengthening your network security
• Implementing advanced monitoring tools and protocols

Communicate Thoughtfully

Your response to customers, employees, and stakeholders can make or break trust. Avoid releasing incomplete or unverified information. Instead:

• Acknowledge the incident
• Reassure affected parties that you’re taking action
• Share updates only when you have clear, accurate details

Transparency paired with decisive action builds confidence in your response.

Monitor and Fortify for the Future

Once the immediate crisis is resolved, it’s time to focus on long-term resilience. This includes:

• Offering credit monitoring to affected individuals
• Conducting regular IT security reviews
• Creating or updating your Written Information Security Program (WISP)

Whittlesey Technology specializes in developing tailored WISPs that meet legal requirements and safeguard businesses from future threats.

Reducing the Impact of Cyberattacks

While cybersecurity attacks are an unfortunate reality of modern business, a strong plan and a capable partner can make all the difference. Thoughtful preparation, decisive action, and the right expertise can minimize the fallout, protect your reputation, and preserve trust with stakeholders.

At Whittlesey Technology, we’re your trusted partner in cybersecurity. Whether you need immediate support or want to strengthen your defenses with a WISP or IR Plan, we’re here to help. Contact us today to safeguard your business.