Cyberattacks can happen to any business—big or small. In fact, studies indicate that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. The consequences can be devastating, from stolen data to damaged reputations.
But how do you know if your business has been hacked? We’ll walk you through key warning signs, what hackers do once they gain access, and actionable steps you can take to minimize damage if you suspect a breach. Plus, you’ll learn how partnering with a cybersecurity service provider can prevent such incidents in the first place.
Signs That Your Business May Have Been Hacked
Knowing the telltale signs of a cyberattack can help you catch issues before they spiral out of control. It’s not always obvious when hackers strike, but these red flags should never be ignored:
1. Unusual Account Activity
Keep an eye out for activities like unauthorized password changes, locked accounts, or users complaining about issues they didn’t create. These can indicate that someone is tampering with your accounts.
2. Unexpected Software or System Changes
If you notice applications or features behaving oddly—or entirely new software appearing that you didn’t install—it could be malware or spyware hiding in plain sight.
3. Slow Systems or Network Disruptions
A once-speedy system suddenly acting sluggish could mean hackers are using your processing power for their benefit, such as cryptomining or sending spam emails from your servers.
4. Unusual Emails or Communication
Have you noticed strange emails being sent from your company’s addresses? Hackers often exploit business email accounts to trick employees, customers, or vendors.
5. Security Warnings or Disabled Software
Pay attention to antivirus or security software behaving strangely. Sometimes, malware disables these tools to avoid detection.
6. Suspicious Login Attempts
Frequent failed login attempts or logins from locations where your business doesn’t operate could signal a breach.
7. Ransomware Messages or File Encryption
If files suddenly become inaccessible and are locked behind a ransom request, this is a clear (and alarming) sign of a cyberattack.
8. Spike in Data Usage or Outbound Traffic
Unexplained surges in your data usage could mean hackers are siphoning sensitive information from your system.
If your business experiences any of these signs, don’t ignore them. They’re often the first indication that a hacker is already inside your system.
What Hackers Do Once They Gain Access
Once hackers infiltrate a system, their actions can vary greatly depending on their motives. Some immediately search for sensitive data such as personal information, financial records, or intellectual property to steal and potentially sell on the dark web. Others might disrupt the system’s operation by corrupting files, deploying malware, or encrypting a business’s own data to hold it for ransom.
Hackers may create backdoors, enabling them to maintain access to the system for future attacks, or they could use the compromised system as a launchpad for attacks on other connected networks. They may attempt fraudulent transactions, reroute payments, or exploit financial systems to steal funds, often working covertly to avoid detection and maximize the time they have to exploit the breach.
What to Do If You Suspect a Breach
Here’s a guide for responding swiftly and effectively to a suspected hack:
- Disconnect the Affected System: Limit the hacker’s ability to spread further by disconnecting compromised devices or networks from the internet.
- Contact Your Cybersecurity Service Provider: Experts like Northern Computer can assess the breach, mitigate damage, and provide tools to secure the system. A reliable cybersecurity service provider can help prevent further attacks.
- Alert Internal Teams and Stakeholders: Notify employees, vendors, and partners so they’re aware and can avoid suspicious communications or transactions.
- Change Passwords: Reset all passwords and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
- Conduct a Full System Audit: Identify the nature of the attack, pinpoint vulnerabilities, and understand the extent of the damage.
- Report the Incident: Depending on your industry, many businesses are legally required to report breaches, especially those involving customer data.
- Restore Systems from Backups: Use clean backup data to restore compromised systems and minimize downtime.
Taking quick action and engaging a trusted cybersecurity service provider can reduce damage and prevent the attackers from inflicting more harm.
Tips to Prevent Your Business From Being Hacked
Prevention is always better than cure. Use these tips to enhance your company’s cybersecurity posture before disaster has a chance to strike:
- Partner with a Cybersecurity Service Provider: A managed provider like Northern Computer will proactively monitor and protect your systems.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update operating systems and applications to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Train Employees: Educate your staff to recognize phishing emails and follow cybersecurity best practices.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for all team accounts to add an extra layer of security.
- Perform Regular Backups: Secure backups ensure your data can be restored during an attack.
- Monitor Network Traffic: Tools provided by cybersecurity service providers can detect suspicious activity and thwart threats in real time.
Protect Your Business with Expert Support
Cyber threats are an unfortunate reality of running a business today. However, with vigilance and proactive measures, you can significantly lower the risk of becoming a target.
If you’re ready to safeguard your operations against hackers, Northern Computer is here for you. As a trusted cybersecurity service provider, we offer tailored solutions to protect your systems, back up critical data, and keep your security up to date.
Don’t wait for a breach—get ahead of hackers today. Schedule your cybersecurity assessment with Northern Computer and gain peace of mind knowing your business is protected.