Why Having a Plan Pays Off
How To Plan for a Ransomware Attack (and Avoid the Worst-Case Scenario)
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
I’ve seen this Chinese proverb recently adapted to describe business continuity: “The best time to prepare was yesterday. The second best time is now.”
Just like every business needs cybersecurity protections, every business needs a breach response plan to know how to plan for a ransomware attack. Here’s your guide to navigating a cyber emergency, and proven ways to prevent a breach in the first place.
Know your cyber attack red flags:
- Computers running unusually slow or applications freezing
- Files encrypted with strange extensions (.locked, .encrypted, .crypto)
- Pop-up demanding ransom payment in Bitcoin
- Employees locked out of familiar systems without explanation
- Unknown devices appearing on your network
- Suspicious emails sent from employee accounts they didn’t send
Take immediate action:
- Disconnect devices from internet – stop the spread across your network. (Important note: do not shut down devices, just disconnect)
- Call Facet for support immediately
- Document everything you see
- Do NOT restart devices (in the event of a breach, this preserves evidence)
- Alert your cyber insurance provider
Crucial preparations every business should have in place:
- Store emergency contacts offline
- Keep cyber insurance details accessible
- Maintain written incident response procedure
If you are a Facet managed services customer, we maintain your system access documentation and backup procedures, another crucial preparation and safeguard.
Business Continuity (And How to Prevent Using That Ransomware Plan)
The average attack costs small businesses between $120,000 and $1.24 million. The difference between companies that survive and those that don’t? Preparation and speed.
Advanced defenses stop breaches before they start. Zero trust architecture treats every access request as hostile until verified. SOC monitoring catches “hidden” threats in minutes.
Rapid response contains damage. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) teams hunt threats 24/7, isolating attacks within nine minutes of detection. If you handle sensitive or valuable data, these advanced security options could save your business in the event of a breach.
If you have a managed services and cybersecurity agreement with Facet, remember: we’re here 24/7/365. Our emergency support line connects you directly to our in-house technicians who know your network and can guide you through every step.
Don’t wait for a breach to create your plan and train your team. We’re here to help.
Need guidance with creating your breach response plan, training employees, or exploring advanced security options? Call us at (309) 689-3900 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your current cybersecurity stance and what, if any, improvements our team would suggest to harden your defenses. Even if you already have some cybersecurity protections, it’s never a bad idea to get a second opinion.
In The News
Compiling the most compelling cybersecurity news for you to browse.
Even ransomware gangs are using AI chatbots: (from IT Brew) Ransomware Actors Pitch Automated Chatbots “Speak to a representative. SPEAK TO A REPRESENTATIVE.”
Ongoing phishing campaign uses a website mimicking the DoE’s grant portal: (from DarkReading) Department of Education Site Mimicked in Phishing Scheme.
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P.P.S. – We recently published a free guide about how to navigate choosing an IT provider. It’s called “Beyond the Quote” and gives you an insider look at how IT companies structure quotes and how to find a provider who will be transparent about pricing, projects, and what you’re getting for your money. Download it here.
Ready to Get Started?
Fill out the form below to request a consultation with a Facet expert to discuss business continuity and more. We can help you create a just-in-case plan for a ransomware attack, something crucial for every business but especially for industries like financial, medical, and legal. Just provide us your information and we’ll take it from there.