What should I do if I get a data breach?

A data breach can expose sensitive information, leading to financial loss, identity theft, and reputational damage. Acting quickly can reduce the impact and help regain control.

🚨 Immediate Steps After a Data Breach:

1️⃣ Contain the Breach

🔹 Disconnect affected systems – Prevent further unauthorized access.
🔹 Disable compromised accounts or services – Reset login credentials.
🔹 Identify the source – Determine if the breach was due to malware, phishing, or weak security.

2️⃣ Assess the Damage

🔹 What data was compromised? (e.g., passwords, financial records, customer data)
🔹 Who is affected? (customers, employees, business partners)
🔹 How was the breach executed? (hacking, insider threat, accidental exposure)

3️⃣ Notify the Right People

🔹 Internal Security Team / IT Department – Begin investigation and remediation.
🔹 Legal & Compliance Teams – Ensure you follow GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, or other regulations.
🔹 Authorities & Regulators – If required by law, report the breach to government agencies.
🔹 Customers & Employees – Inform affected individuals so they can take protective measures.

Note - you may be required to notify your data protection regulator, e.g. the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) in the UK.

4️⃣ Secure & Strengthen Your Systems

🔹 Reset passwords & enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
🔹 Apply security patches & software updates.
🔹 Monitor network logs for suspicious activity.
🔹 Review access controls & remove unnecessary permissions.

5️⃣ Conduct a Post-Breach Investigation

🔹 Analyze how the breach happened.
🔹 Identify security gaps & weaknesses.
🔹 Update policies & security training for employees.

6️⃣ Prevent Future Breaches

✅ Regularly back up data (keep offline copies).
✅ Conduct penetration testing & vulnerability assessments.
✅ Implement stronger encryption & endpoint security.
✅ Train employees on phishing and social engineering risks.