Another day, another revelation that a major company has suffered through a data breach. Hackers are the highwaymen of our time, and it seems in some cases, companies are more than willing to hand over cash in exchange for silence. It has emerged that Uber paid hackers to remain silent about their data breach, which is the kind of result Dick Turpin himself would likely have been impressed by.

Uber join the list of companies who have been hit by mass leaks and data breaches– some of the biggest, most recognisable, companies in the world have fallen victim. If you’re a business owner, this doubtless makes you a little uneasy. If the “big guys” are susceptible, then how can a small or medium business cope?

Let’s try and ease some of those fears and assist you in planning for the worst– while you continue to hope for the best. Below are the steps you need to take to recover from a data breach, so read through, have them in the back of your mind, and you’ll be all set so if you do find yourself an unfortunate victim in future, you know exactly where to turn.

1) Inform Law Enforcement

A “data breach” is, in effect, a theft, so you will want to report the matter to the police.

2) Inform Customers

One of the major issues being raised with the Uber breach is that they hid the fact that the breach even happened, keeping the hack secret for over a year.

Don’t be like Uber. If you experience a data breach, then your customers have a right to know. Reach out to all those you suspect may have been affected, and advise them to follow precautionary steps to protect their own financial situation.

3) Change Every Password

This may feel a little bit like locking the stable door after the horse has bolted, but you still need to do it. Change every single electronic password that relates to your business dealings.

4) Contact Your Bank

If financial information about your company has been lost, you need to contact your bank and freeze your accounts.

5) Think To The Future

You need to start thinking about how you can secure and properly protect your systems in future, even if you’re still dealing with the aftermath of an existing problem. Now is the time for new blood; your existing IT company has clearly made a mistake somewhere, so switching is in your company’s best interests. Browse for a reputable IT security company who can help you batten down the hatches on the existing problem, as well as ensure that such events don’t occur in the future.

In Conclusion

Companies can survive data breaches; many people accept they are just a part of the modern world. Hopefully, you will never need to use the information above– but it’s there if you have to turn to it.