What To Do if You Have a Data Breach

Technology allows us to do some amazing things. Whether you want to have a video chat with a family member from across the globe or stream one of the latest movies right on your phone, technology provides us with a world of opportunities. However, some aspects of technology create harm. Business owners need to rely on strong security systems to prevent things like data breaches. Here, the team at Tekie Geek will show the dangers of these breaches and how our managed IT and co-managed IT services can help those in New York and New Jersey get back on track.

What Is a Data Breach?

A data breach is the act of acquiring personal information without consent or authority. This breach typically creates a security issue because this private information is in the wrong hands, which can compromise its integrity and cause confidentiality concerns. Most businesses need personal data to provide their services. Because personal data is necessary for so many business-related actions, companies go to great lengths to protect it. Unfortunately, breaches can still occur.

Businesses require payment information, addresses, and other personal data to process requests. Therefore, if a cybersecurity incident occurs, there are several key pieces of information the perpetrator may look to get their hands on, including:

What Types of Data Breaches Are There?

Not all data breaches are the same. Here’s a closer look at some of the more common types of data breaches.

Stolen Information

For businesses, your computers, mobile devices, and even paperwork contain a lot of critical information. Whether this is personal data from your employees or clients or innovative new specs regarding future products, this information should remain for your eyes only. Unfortunately, this data can easily get in the wrong hands if you and your employees aren’t careful. Leaving devices unlocked or readily accessible is an easy way to give potential criminals access.

Malware or Viruses

Viruses or malware are nothing new. These data breaches happen when someone is sent a false link intended to wipe out the data on their computers. These viruses can cause massive problems for businesses that rely on quickly bringing up accurate and updated client information, such as hospitals.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a sub-type of malware that leaves a message informing you that your data has been encrypted. The sender threatens to prevent you from accessing your own data unless you pay a fee. Much like real ransom, however, even if you pay this fee there’s no guarantee the criminal will follow through on their word.

Keystroke Recording

Cybercriminals may use malware called a keylogger to allow them to track which keystrokes you use. This lets them see any account names, credit card numbers, and passwords you have typed in.

Phishing Scams

Phishing is when third-party hackers make fake websites that look realistic. They will email or text you a message with a link to what appears to be a reputable website and ask you to log in. This will inadvertently give these scammers your account name and password, allowing them to turn around and use these credentials themselves.

What Should a Company Do After a Data Breach?

Data breaches present challenges for companies of all sizes. Of course, the loss of data can make doing everyday business difficult, and you’ll have to spend time and resources trying to recover the data that was taken. However, companies also suffer because a data breach, if not rectified, can diminish their reputation and cause them to lose business.

The first step to take after your company has experienced a data breach is to secure your operations to prevent it from happening again. This is an important step, whether your software or hardware has vulnerabilities or if your place of business suffered a break-in.

Next, you’ll need a breach response team to take preventative measures against additional data loss. You’ll also want to consider getting a team together to help manage all aspects of the breach. This might include data forensics specialists, legal experts, IT professionals, human resources representatives, management, and those who work in investor relations. They may be in-house employees or, for smaller companies, those you may need to hire.

You should make sure to keep the affected equipment online until the data forensics experts can look at everything, but should immediately turn those machines off afterward and, if possible, replace them with fresh ones to continue business as usual for the time being. If account names, numbers, and passwords were stolen, these should also be changed right away.

It is also wise to check your websites for improperly posted information that the hackers could have added, as well as other websites on the Internet that may have the stolen information posted. It’s a good idea to reach out to service providers, check your network segmentation, notify those affected, and prepare a statement. Communicating with law enforcement and other necessary bodies can also help with potential legal ramifications.

How Can Tekie Geek Help?

Tekie Geek provides a simple way to outsource your company’s tech services. Our team of IT professionals can work with you and your employees 24/7 to help ensure everything is running right and stays protected.

Our managed IT services are with you every step of the way, rather than just showing up after an issue has arisen. We provide comprehensive data protection to help prevent cyber threats, including different kinds of data breaches. We also work quickly, enabling your team to get back to work sooner. We also provide business continuity disaster recovery solutions to get things back to how they were before the incident. Some of our other helpful services include:

Our co-managed IT services are great for smaller companies that don’t require constant monitoring. Here, we provide the framework for a standard in-house IT department but offer the support you’d expect from a managed service provider. Co-managed IT services from Tekie Geek include a variety of special features, including cloud data protection, automated Dark Web monitoring, data security, evaluations, and more. This option is great for businesses with big, new projects on the way, those with IT departments that are struggling to keep up, or companies that would simply like more experienced IT professionals on board.

Choose Our Team Today

If you own or run a business and are worried about data breaches or other cyber threats, call on the experts at Tekie Geek. Our reputable and passionate specialists can help you manage day-to-day operations or assist when the need arises. If you’re in New York or New Jersey and are interested in any of our IT services, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

‍