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Today, our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology, and the threat of data breaches looms large. A cybercriminal accessing a company’s network and data can cause incredible damage, including lost profits and a ruined reputation.If a data breach occurs, time is of the essence. Security and users must act quickly to isolate and remove the threat before damage occurs.First, users must understand and identify the early warning signs of a potential data breach on their networks or devices.For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has helped hundreds of clients in the greater Chicago area develop and execute effective IT strategies.By reading this article, you will learn common warning signs of a data breach and what to do if you suspect a breach.
Malware and cybercriminals can sit silently on a network or device for months, gathering information and waiting for the perfect time to attack. When the program or hacker understands the structure of your data and network, they can launch an attack.The attack could lock down your system (i.e., ransomware) or steal data.Once the attack occurs, the damage is done. If your system is locked down, productivity halts. If confidential data is stolen, your reputation is damaged, and you may face legal action if client data is compromised.As such, it’s vital to identify signs of malware and a lurking cybercriminal before the attack is launched.
Unexpected spikes in data traffic and activity or unusual access patterns may indicate a breach.Other signs of unauthorized access may include an abrupt increase in data transfers, especially during non-peak hours.For example, if you notice a lot of files being copied or moved at 3:00 AM on a computer far from your office, that could indicate a cybercriminal lurking on your network.
If your system suddenly crashes at random or is unusually slow, it may indicate a breach. Cybercriminals often deploy malware that can compromise system integrity, causing disruptions as it moves through the network, gathering information. The malware requires a lot of processing power, so it slows down affected devices.
Changes in user accounts can also indicate a breach.If there are unexpected changes in user privileges, new accounts created without authorization, or a surge in failed login attempts, these could be signs of a potential breach.For instance, if you notice a marketing employee suddenly has access to finance files or ten new accounts but no reports of new hires, you may have a cybercriminal lurking on your network.On the other hand, users may find themselves locked out of files they previously had access to.Files may also be moved, changed, or deleted without explanation. All may be signs of a breach.
Unusual entries or activities in system log files, such as repeated login failures or unauthorized access attempts, may indicate a breach.
Watch for unexpected outbound traffic, especially to unfamiliar IP addresses. Data should only be moving to familiar IP addresses within your network.For example, if your employees work out of Chicago and Denver, you shouldn’t see files transferred to an IP address in San Diego or St. Petersburg.Cybercriminals often establish connections with external servers to transfer stolen data. Unusual outbound connections could be a red flag.
As soon as you suspect a breach, contact your IT provider, internal IT team, or IT security. Their expertise is crucial in assessing the breach, containing it, and implementing necessary security measures.Once alerted, your IT team will assess the breach, contain it, and take the next steps to secure your network.If necessary, they will also work to restore your data and network using system backups.
In a breach, your IT provider, internal IT team, or IT security team will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the source and extent of the breach.Once uncovered, they will isolate the affected systems to prevent further damage.For example, if the breach occurred in finance, the breach would be quarantined to that section of your network. This way, the infection would not spread to other files or teams outside of finance.
After contacting IT professionals, breached businesses should contact their cyber insurance carrier to review your policy, options, and further instructions.Depending on the severity and nature of the breach, the infected company should contact affected parties, such as customers, partners, and regulatory authorities, in compliance with data protection regulations.
Data breaches are not just distant cybersecurity concerns—they have real and immediate consequences for individuals.You can proactively protect your network and devices by being vigilant and understanding the early warning signs. Warnings signs of a data breach include:
Consult your IT provider or internal IT team to discuss risks, cybersecurity practices, and what to do if you encounter a data breach.Your IT provider should conduct regular risk assessments to identify and address potential risks in your network. They should also help you create an IT incident response plan for IT disasters like a data breach.If your current provider hasn't been proactive with risk assessments or incident response planning, it's a red flag. Consider finding a new provider to ensure better cybersecurity practices.WEBIT Services is passionate about cybersecurity practices and education. It believes that knowledge and awareness are the first steps in developing effective cybersecurity procedures.If you are looking for a new IT provider, schedule a free 30-minute consultation to see if WEBIT can help.If you're not ready to make a commitment but would like to learn more about cybersecurity, we recommend the following articles:
