Cyberattacks have become an ever-present threat to businesses, both large and small.
A successful breach can cause severe damage, affecting an organization’s reputation, finances, and the privacy of its customers and employees.
According to recent research, security incidents in 2023 have compromised over 4.5 billion records and are expected to cost companies $8 trillion worldwide.
In this blog post, we will take you through the journey of a cyberattack, from the moment it happens to the steps a company must take in response. Understanding this process is crucial for businesses to build resilience and safeguard their digital assets.
The Moment of Breach
The breach begins when a cybercriminal gains unauthorized access to a company’s network or systems. This could happen through a variety of ways which include phishing emails, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or insider threats.
Once inside, attackers seek to steal sensitive information, such as customer data, intellectual property, or financial records. This may go unnoticed for days or even months or they may block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid (ransomware).
Cybercriminals may also install backdoors or other means of access to ensure continued control.
Detection and Confirmation
Companies employ various security tools to detect unusual activities. Intrusion detection systems and log monitoring may trigger alerts or flag anomalies.
Security teams will investigate these alerts to confirm a breach. This involves analyzing system logs, network traffic, and potential indicators of compromise.
If detected, the breach is classified based on its severity, impact, and the nature of the data compromised. This step helps in determining the appropriate response strategy.
Response and Recovery
Once a breach is confirmed, the immediate priority is to contain the incident. This involves isolating compromised systems, disabling attacker access, and preventing further damage.
Affected organizations must then notify relevant stakeholders, including employees, customers, their insurance company, and regulatory bodies, as required by data breach laws.
Organizations should also immediately notify law enforcement to report their situation. If local police departments aren’t familiar with investigating information compromises, organizations can contact the FBI or the U.S. Secret Service.
A detailed forensic analysis will then be conducted to understand the extent of the breach, the tactics used by the attackers, and how the breach occurred.
Next, security teams will work to remove all traces of the attacker’s presence and vulnerabilities within the system to prevent future breaches and restore affected systems and data from backups.
Total recovery time, depending on the severity of the attack, can vary from a few days to several months.
Post-Incident Review
After a breach, a thorough review of the incident is essential. This helps identify what went wrong, what worked, and what can be improved for better security.
Then, companies should implement those improved security measures, update their policies, and provide employee training to reduce the risk of future attacks.
The journey from a cyberattack to recovery is a complex and demanding process, but it is crucial for any organization’s survival. Preparation and a clear response plan are essential to mitigate damage and protect your company’s reputation. By understanding the stages of a cyberattack and the steps to respond effectively, businesses can build resilience and bolster their defenses against future threats.
