Surviving an Attack: Incident Response Plans, Business Continuity Best Practices, and More

Cyberattacks have become an unavoidable reality for organizations of every size and industry. Recent statistics reveal a dramatic increase in incidents, with the average cost of a data breach reaching over $10 million in the United States. Attackers are more sophisticated, their methods are evolving with the emergence of AI, and no organization is immune, whether a global enterprise or a small nonprofit. Preparation is not optional; it’s essential for survival.

Why Every Organization Needs a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

When a cybersecurity incident occurs, confusion and panic can quickly take hold. A well-developed Incident Response Plan (IRP) is the foundation for a swift, coordinated, and effective response. An IRP is more than a checklist. It’s a dynamic playbook that defines roles, communication protocols, and step-by-step actions to contain and mitigate damage.

Best practices for executing a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan include:

• Immediate Activation: As soon as a breach is detected, the IRP should be activated without hesitation. All relevant teams, including cybersecurity, legal, HR, PR, and leadership, must be alerted and ready to act.
• Defined Roles and Responsibilities: Every participant should know their specific duties, from leading the response to documenting actions and communicating with stakeholders.
• Secure Communication Channels: Alternate, secure methods of communication are critical in case primary systems are compromised.
• Thorough Assessment: Quickly identify the nature and scope of the incident, isolate affected systems, and gather evidence for forensic analysis.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Every action should be meticulously recorded to support investigations, insurance claims, and future improvements.

Business Continuity Best Practices: How to Keep Operations Running

Stopping a breach is only part of the challenge. Restoring business operations with minimal disruption is equally important. Following business continuity best practices is essential for reducing downtime and maintaining trust with clients and partners.

Key strategies include:

• Robust Backups: Maintain regular, automated, and encrypted backups of all critical data and systems. Store backups in multiple locations, including at least one offline copy, and test them regularly for integrity.
• Prioritization of Recovery: Not all data is equal. Identify and restore mission-critical systems first, such as customer records and financial data, to resume operations efficiently.
• Secure Recovery Procedures: Scan backups for malware before restoration, apply security patches, and monitor for lingering threats to prevent reintroducing vulnerabilities.

A strong business continuity plan ensures that organizations can recover quickly, minimize losses, and maintain credibility.

Communication: Managing Stakeholder Expectations

Clear, consistent communication is vital during and after a cyberattack. Designate a single spokesperson for external communications and establish secure, dedicated channels for updates. Transparency, empathy, and regular updates help maintain trust with clients, employees, and regulators. Legal counsel should be involved to ensure compliance with data breach notification laws and industry regulations.

Minimizing the Impact and Cost of a Data Breach

The financial consequences of a cyberattack can be severe, but proactive strategies can significantly reduce the impact:

• Post-Incident Support: Offer services such as credit monitoring and identity theft protection to affected individuals, demonstrating responsibility and care.
• AI and Automation: According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, organizations that extensively used AI and automation in their incident response plan reduced their average breach costs by $2.2 million.
• Rapid Containment: Isolate affected systems and deploy temporary firewalls to limit the spread of the attack.
• Cyber Insurance: Maintain comprehensive cybersecurity insurance and meet all requirements to ensure coverage in the event of a breach.

The Value of Managed IT and Cybersecurity Services

Many organizations, especially small and mid-sized businesses, benefit from partnering with managed security services providers (MSSPs). These partners offer 24/7 monitoring, expert support, and advanced services such as managed detection and response (MDR), security and compliance consulting, and vulnerability management. MSSPs provide scalable expertise and proactive defenses that may be out of reach for internal teams.

Building Resilience for the Future

Resilience against cyberattacks is built on preparation, swift action, and continuous improvement. By leveraging a strong cybersecurity incident response plan, embracing business continuity best practices, and utilizing expert support, organizations can not only survive an attack, but emerge stronger and more secure.

Interested in learning more? Download our eBook, “When Things Go Wrong: Surviving a Cybersecurity Attack,” to ensure your organization is prepared for anything the future brings.