5 Integral Steps To Develop A Data Breach Response

As cybercriminals become more sophisticated and increasingly brazen in their attacks, organization must take extra steps to protect themselves from the fallout of data breaches.

The recent AirAsia data breach is just one more in a long string of high-profile instances in which the sensitive information of passengers and airline staff was stolen. Among those stolen were passport numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and credit card numbers. Singapore Telecommunications Ltd’s Australian branch Dialog was another recent subject of a data breach that could affect 1,000 present and former employees and clients, just weeks after their massive data breach at the Sydney-based company Optus.

These high-profile data breaches have highlighted the need for organizations to take a more preventative stance toward data protection.

How Does A Data Breach Happen?

Data breaches happen when a company’s data is accessed by unauthorized parties. The most common way this happens is through a data leak, which occurs when data is exposed due to weaknesses in technology or user behavior. The information targeted during a data breach can include customer data, financial records, intellectual property, login credentials, social security numbers, credit card numbers, or trade secrets and proprietary business information. Data breaches can happen in a variety of ways, including:

Hacking

This is when an attacker uses various techniques, such as exploiting vulnerabilities in software or using social engineering tactics, to gain unauthorized access to a network or device.

Malware

This is when an attacker installs malicious softwareon a device or network in order to steal or damage data.

Phishing

This is when an attacker uses fake emails or websites to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware.

Insider threat

This is when a current or former employee, contractor, or vendor intentionally or unintentionally exposes sensitive information.

Misconfigured systems or inadequate security

This is when an organization’s systems or security measures are not properly configured or maintained, making it easier for attackers to gain access to sensitive information.

Responding To A Data Breach

Step 1: Stop The Breach

Immediately stop the breach from continuing. Shut down servers, disconnect affected systems from the internet, or take other similar actions to prevent further unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Step 2: Assess The Damage

Identify what data was accessed or stolen, how much it was affected, and who may have been impacted.

Step 3: Notify Those Involved

The next step is to notify those whose personal data was accessed or stolen, as well as relevant regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies.

Step 4: Audit

Conduct an audit to determine the root cause of the breach and identify areas that need improvement to prevent future breaches, such as conducting a forensic investigation, reviewing security protocols and policies, and implementing new measures to enhance the security of sensitive data.

Step 5: Update Your Systems With A Cybersecurity Software/Firewall

Update your systems with cybersecurity software or a firewall to prevent future breaches. Implement new technologies or upgrade existing security systems to protect against potential cyber threats.

It is essential for businesses and organizations to have a scalable cybersecurity solution in place to protect against cyber attacks and ensure the ongoing security and resilience of the organization. AceTeam, as an authorized reseller for Palo Alto Networks, is well-equipped to provide scalable cybersecurity solutions that can grow and adapt along with your business.

Palo Alto Networks is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, offering a range of products and services designed to protect against a wide range of cyber threats.

Click here to know more about Palo Alto Networks or contact AceTeam for more information.