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In today’s digital world the level of cybercrime is at an all time high and most experts warn that it is not a matter of “if” you get breached, but “when”. The best thing to do is to be prepared for the eventuality. Having an Incident Response Plans (IRP) and Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place is a good start to mitigating this risk. Actually running scenario base table top exercises, creating playbooks for different scenarios and executive information sessions increases the likelihood of successfully navigating a data breach. Below is an outline of some of the common pitfalls that could occur when your organisation is breached. 

Pitfall #1: Delayed Response 

One of the most critical mistakes a company can make after a data breach is delaying the response. The longer it takes to respond, the more damage can occur. A delayed response increases the risk of further data loss and erodes customer trust. 

Act Quickly 

The first step in damage control is to act quickly. As soon as you detect a breach, start your incident response plan. This should include containing the breach, assessing the extent of the damage and notifying affected parties. The faster you act, the greater your chances of mitigating the damage. 

Notify Stakeholders Promptly 

Informing stakeholders, including customers, employees, and partners, is crucial. Delays in notification can lead to confusion and panic, worsening the situation. Be transparent about what happened, what data was compromised  and what steps are being taken to address the issue. This helps maintain trust and allows affected parties to take necessary precautions.   

Engage Legal and Regulatory Authorities 

Depending on the nature of the breach, you may need to notify regulatory authorities. Delaying this step can result in legal repercussions. Ensure you understand the legal requirements for breach notification and follow them promptly. 

Pitfall #2: Inadequate Communication

Communication is key during a data breach, but inadequate or unclear communication can hurt you. It leads to misunderstandings, frustration, and further reputational damage. How you communicate with stakeholders matters, and will set the tone for how they perceive your company during the crisis. 

Establish Clear Communication Channels 

Establish clear communication channels to keep stakeholders informed. This could include a dedicated hotline, email updates, and a section on your website with regular updates. Ensure that communication is consistent, transparent, and accurate. 

• Avoid Jargon and Technical Language 

When communicating with non-technical stakeholders, avoid using jargon. The goal is to make the information accessible and understandable. Clearly explain what happened, what steps are being taken, and what they need to do. 

Provide Regular Updates 

Keep stakeholders informed with regular updates as the situation evolves. Even if there is no new information. Providing regular updates reassures stakeholders that you are actively managing the situation. 

Pitfall #3: Failing to Contain the Breach 

Another critical mistake is failing to contain the breach quickly. Once your business detects a breach, take immediate action. This will help prevent further data loss. Failure to do so can result in more significant damage. 

Isolate the Affected Systems 

The first step in containing a breach is to isolate the affected systems. This may involve disconnecting systems from the network, disabling user accounts, and shutting down specific services. The goal is to prevent the breach from spreading further. 

• Assess the Scope of the Breach 

Once you contain the breach, assess the scope of the damage and identify what data was accessed, how it was accessed and the extent of the exposure. This information is crucial for informing stakeholders and determining the next steps. 

Deploy Remediation Measures 

After assessing the scope of the breach, deploy remediation measures to address the exploited vulnerabilities. Ensure that your company takes all necessary steps to prevent a recurrence. 

Pitfall #4: Neglecting Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Ignoring legal and regulatory requirements can have severe consequences. Many jurisdictions have strict data protection laws,  dictating how businesses must respond to data breaches. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and legal action. 

Understand Your Legal Obligations 

Familiarize yourself with the legal and regulatory requirements in your jurisdiction. This includes understanding the timelines for breach notification , the specific information your company must provide and who you must notify. 

Document Your Response 

Documenting your response to a data breach is crucial for demonstrating compliance. This documentation should include a timeline of events, the steps taken to contain the breach and communication with stakeholders. Proper documentation can protect your company in the event of legal scrutiny. 

• Timeline of events 

• Steps taken to contain the breach 

• Communication with stakeholders 

Pitfall #5: Overlooking the Human Element

The human element is often overlooked in data breach response. Human error can contribute to the breach and the emotional impact on employees and customers can be significant. Addressing the human element is essential for a comprehensive response. 

Support Affected Employees 

Provide employees with support if the breach compromised their data. This could include offering credit monitoring services and addressing any concerns that they may have. Supporting your employees helps maintain morale and trust within the organisation. 

•  Address Customer Concerns 

Customers may be anxious and concerned after a data breach. Address their concerns promptly and empathetically. Provide them with clear instructions on steps they can take to protect themselves and offer help where possible. A compassionate response can help maintain customer loyalty. 

Learn from the Incident 

Finally, use the breach as a learning opportunity. Conduct a thorough post-incident review  to identify what went wrong and how it can be prevented in the future. Deploy training and awareness programs to educate employees on data security best practices. 

Manage Data Breaches with Help from a Trusted IT Professional 

Data breaches are challenging. How your company responds can make a significant difference. It isn’t a question of “if” anymore, it is a question of “when”. Your organisation needs to be prepared when it happens. Having an up to date Incident Response Plan (IRP), Business Continuity Plan and Disaster Recovery Plan will all be invaluable when a breach does occur. Being prepared through executive briefings and table top exercises will provide confidence to management and the board that this risk is being mitigated as best as it can be.  

Do you need IT support that has your back? We can help you both prevent and manage breaches to reduce the damage.  

Reach out today to schedule a chat about cybersecurity and business continuity.