How to react to a cyberattack? Detailed step-by-step practical guide

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Nowadays, cyberattacks have become a fact with which companies, whether large or small, must learn to handle them. The crucial thing is not only to avoid them, but also to know how to proceed if they do happen. Here we explain, in a precise and direct way, the actions you should implement to react to a situation of this type.

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Step 1: Identify when something is wrong

Constantly observe your digital environment

It is essential to have an active surveillance equipment or tool (such as a SOC, Security Operations Center) that operates 24 hours a day. This makes it easier for you to identify any suspicious behavior before it's too late.

Indicators that could suggest an attack

• A person enters the system without permission
• Your servers are slowing down or disappearing for no obvious cause
• Encrypted or inaccessible documents (could be ransomware)
• Warning notifications from the antivirus or protection systems

Step 2: Handle the stage as soon as possible

Isolate who is affected

If you know which devices have been affected, immediately disconnect them from the network. This prevents the attack from spreading to other devices.

Unlock unusual accesses

Modifying passwords, restricting access and verifying if there are users that should not be present. Anything that has an unusual scent, expel.

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Step 3: Notify and implement your response plan

Separate your protective equipment

It's time to implement the Incident Response Plan. Alert the security officer (such as the CISO) and proceed according to what you have already planned.

Adhere to legal regulations

In certain situations, such as under the RGPD, it is necessary to report the event both to the authorities and to the individuals involved.

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Step 4: Examine what happened and who it impacted

It is necessary to carry out a detailed technical analysis

With the help of instruments or experts, analyze everything that happened: how they entered, what they impacted, what they took, and others.

Identify susceptible aspects

Perform a vulnerability analysis or a pentesting to identify and resolve the flaws that led to the attack.

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Step 5: Safely restore your systems

Restore from clean backups

Do not start to restore without verifying that the entire system is clean. It guarantees the use of backups that are free of malware.

Confirm before reconnecting

Before restarting systems, verify that everything is clean and under control.

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Step 6: Learn from your own experience

Record everything that happened

Make a report that describes each stage of the attack and the reaction. This will allow you to optimize your preparation for the future.

Develop the team

On numerous occasions, human failures constitute the gateway to cyberattacks. Promoting appropriate cybersecurity education can make a distinction.

Update your action plan

Evaluate your contingency plan based on what you've learned. Threats change, and so must your tactics.

Following all of these steps are key to dealing with a cyber incident. If your company is not yet insured, do not hesitate to consult our services section and contact our team for advice on solutions adapted to your needs.

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Check out our services at: solutions

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