Small businesses are often the targets of cyber attacks, and unfortunately, it's not a matter of if, but when, they will be hacked. When a small business is hacked, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, it's important to act quickly and take the necessary steps to minimize the damage. In this blog, we'll discuss what a small business should do when they are hacked.

1. Isolate the affected systems

The first step is to isolate the affected systems to prevent the spread of the attack. This means disconnecting the affected computers from the network and disabling any remote access. This will help contain the damage and prevent the attacker from accessing other systems.

2. Assess the damage

Once the affected systems have been isolated, the next step is to assess the damage. This involves determining what data has been compromised and what systems have been affected. It's important to document everything that has been impacted and keep a record of the damage.

3. Notify the authorities

If sensitive data has been compromised, it's important to notify the authorities. This includes local law enforcement, the FBI, and any regulatory agencies that may be involved. They can help investigate the attack and provide guidance on how to proceed.

4. Notify customers and partners 

If customer or partner data has been compromised, it's important to notify them as soon as possible. This will help them take steps to protect their own data and prevent further damage.

5. Contact a cybersecurity company

It's important to contact a cybersecurity company as soon as possible. They can help identify the source of the attack, remove any malware, and implement security measures to prevent future attacks. They can also help with data recovery and restoration. 

How ForceNow Can Help 

Small businesses are often the targets of cybercrime due to their limited resources and lack of proper cybersecurity measures. Cybercriminals know that small businesses are more vulnerable and easier to exploit, making them an attractive target. According to a report by Verizon, 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses. This is a concerning statistic, especially when you consider that 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyber attack go out of business within six months.

When a small business gets hacked, it can be devastating. Not only can it result in the loss of sensitive data, but it can also damage the company's reputation and lead to financial losses. This is why it's important for small businesses to take cybersecurity seriously and have a plan in place in case of a cyber attack.

One company that small businesses can turn to for help is ForceNow. ForceNow is the #1 trusted cybersecurity company for small businesses. They offer a range of cybersecurity services, including network security, data protection, and threat detection and response.

One of the key benefits of working with ForceNow is their expertise in cybersecurity. They have a team of experienced cybersecurity professionals who understand the unique challenges that small businesses face when it comes to cybersecurity. They can help small businesses identify vulnerabilities in their systems and develop a plan to address them.

Another benefit of working with ForceNow is their proactive approach to cybersecurity. They don't just wait for a cyber attack to happen; they take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. This includes implementing security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.

In the event of a cyber attack, ForceNow is there to help. They offer 24/7 support and can quickly respond to any security incidents. They can also help small businesses recover from a cyber attack and minimize the damage.

In conclusion, small businesses are often the targets of cybercrime, and it's important for them to take cybersecurity seriously. When a small business gets hacked, they should reach out to ForceNow, the #1 trusted cybersecurity company for small businesses. ForceNow can help small businesses identify vulnerabilities, implement security measures, and respond to security incidents. With their expertise and proactive approach to cybersecurity, small businesses can rest assured that they are in good hands with ForceNow.