Cyber security for SME’s: A guide to incident response
Cyber-attacks are no longer a matter of if but when. When an attack occurs, a timely and effective response can make the difference between a contained incident and a full-blown crisis. A swift, well-prepared plan not only limits damage but also helps maintain client trust and regulatory compliance.
In this blog, we explore the key steps that SMEs should take to respond effectively to cyber incidents and minimise their impact, with an Incident Response Plan supported by trusted cyber security consultants plays a critical role in ensuring a swift and coordinated response.
Table of contents
Planning ahead: Incident response plan
As with any emergency, it’s much easier to respond if there’s a comprehensive plan already in place that details the actions to take. This is often in the form of an Incident Response Plan.
It focuses on identifying, managing and resolving incidents, such as cyber security breaches, IT outages or other emergencies. The aim is to minimise damage, recover quickly and prevent future occurrences. Typically, the primary focus is on immediate actions to contain and reduce the impact of the incident.
Microsoft provides useful guidance for incident response along with a checklist to prepare for cyber security incidents.
The Incident Response Plan is usually contained within a wider Business Continuity Plan, which focuses on maintaining or recovering normal business operations. This plan is broader in scope, covering all aspects of the business, including people, processes, technology and facilities.
An effective Incident Response Plan should be part of a broader Business Continuity Strategy. Regular testing through simulated cyber attack scenarios ensures your business is prepared to handle real cyber threats.
How to respond to a cyber security incident
In practice, the actions that are required may vary depending on the nature of the cyber attack, its scale and the level of risk involved, along with the nature of the business itself and its processes. For example, depending on your cyber insurance terms, it might be necessary to contact your cyber insurance incident response team in the first instance to preserve the forensic trail.
But in general, the response will usually include the following actions:
1. Contain the breach
Isolate all the affected systems immediately to prevent any further spread. Also, consider taking (currently) unaffected systems down if it reduces the risk. Take further appropriate actions as soon as they’re identified – of course, ensure that all actions are well-planned, but don’t delay without good reason.
To allow this containment, it’s important to ensure there are appropriate emergency communication channels in the business. For example, if your email system gets hacked, you won’t be able to use email to communicate during the incident.
2. Engage cyber security experts
As soon as possible, bring in external professionals for forensic analysis and recovery. During an incident, events can sometimes unfold quickly, meaning that a swift response is often called for. Your cyber security partner is best placed to help with this, so their knowledge and expertise are vital.
Remember: you’re not alone throughout this process.
3. Assess the scope and impact of the attack
Next, identify the systems, data and networks that have been compromised. Conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the attacker gained access and what data was accessed. The goal is to build a clear picture of the incident, which will not only aid in recovery but also strengthen your defence against future attacks.
For some businesses, this step is particularly sensitive due to the confidential nature of client data. You’ll need to categorise the compromised information – whether it’s client files, financial records or internal communications – and evaluate the potential legal, financial and reputational consequences.
4. Notify relevant parties
Once you’ve assessed the impact, notify all relevant parties promptly. This includes personal or client data that may have been compromised, regulatory bodies such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and your insurance provider. We also recommend you follow a self-assessment to evaluate if the breach is reportable to the ICO.
Be transparent – inform clients, regulators and stakeholders quickly and clearly. Explain what happened, what data was affected and what steps you’re taking to mitigate the damage. Provide guidance on any actions they may need to take, such as monitoring their accounts for suspicious activity.
5. Document everything
Throughout the incident response process, maintain detailed records of every action taken. This documentation is essential for both regulatory compliance and internal review. Record the timeline of events, the steps taken to contain and resolve the breach, communications with stakeholders, and any decisions made during the response.
6. Restore systems securely
Once the immediate threat has been neutralised and the breach fully investigated, the focus then shifts to restoring affected systems. This must be done carefully to avoid reinfection.
Start by cleaning and rebuilding compromised systems. This may involve resetting passwords, wiping infected devices, reinstalling software and applying the latest security patches. Ensure that all vulnerabilities identified during the investigation are addressed before systems are reintroduced to the network.
Finally, test the restored systems thoroughly before resuming normal operations. Once your systems are confirmed by your cyber security partner as being secure, then they should be reintegrated into your network.
7. Review and learn
Every cyber incident provides a valuable opportunity to learn and improve. Once the immediate crisis is over, conduct a post-incident review to evaluate your response and identify areas for improvement. This should involve all key stakeholders, including IT, legal, compliance, senior management and your cyber security partner.
After every attack, analyse what went wrong, update security protocols and train staff to prevent future breaches.
Be prepared
Preparedness is key for an effective cyber incident response. By having robust plans in place and promoting a culture of vigilance, SMEs can significantly reduce the impact of cyber attacks.
Equally important is collaborating with a trusted cyber security partner who understands the unique challenges faced by businesses. Our expertise not only helps you to recover from an incident but also strengthens your defences, ensuring your business is resilient in the face of evolving threats.
Don't wait for a cyber attack to expose your vulnerabilities. Contact our specialist team today to see how we can protect you.
