Five Telltale Signs Your Business May Have Experienced a Data Breach
In today's digital age, cybersecurity is not just a concern for large corporations but also for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). As SMBs increasingly rely on digital platforms to conduct their operations, they become attractive targets for cybercriminals. Data breaches can have devastating effects, from financial losses to reputational damage. Therefore, it's crucial for businesses to recognize the signs of a data breach early to mitigate its impact. Here are five telltale signs that your business may have experienced a data breach.
1. Unexpected system activity
One of the first signs of a potential data breach is unusual or unexpected system activity. This could include sudden changes in system performance, such as slow processing speeds, frequent system crashes, or unexplained system reboots. These anomalies could indicate that malicious software is operating in the background, consuming system resources, or interfering with normal operations. While these symptoms could also be due to non-malicious issues, such as hardware failure or software bugs, they warrant immediate investigation to rule out a potential breach.
2. unusual account activity
Another common, and almost immediate, sign of a potential data breach is unusual account activity. This could involve numerous failed login attempts, unexpected password reset emails, or accounts being locked due to multiple incorrect password entries. Additionally, if you notice new user accounts that were not created by your team or changes in user privileges, it could indicate that an unauthorized individual has gained access to your system.
3. UNEXPECTED NETWORK TRAFFIC
A sudden spike in network traffic, especially during off-peak hours, can also be a sign of a data breach. Cybercriminals often exfiltrate stolen data during times when it's less likely to be noticed. Therefore, monitoring network traffic and being alert to any unusual patterns can help detect a breach.
4. CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY
If your customers start reporting fraudulent activity or unauthorized transactions linked to their accounts, it's a strong indication that your business may have suffered a data breach. In such cases, it's crucial to take these complaints seriously, investigate promptly, and take necessary actions to protect your customers' data.
5 . Inconsistencies in Your Business's Financial Records
In some cases, a data breach may manifest as irregularities in your business's financial records. This could be unexplained withdrawals, unfamiliar transactions, or discrepancies between invoices and goods/services received. Cybercriminals may attempt to siphon funds or manipulate financial data, leaving a trail of financial inconsistencies.
Recognizing the signs of a data breach is the first step in mitigating its impact. However, prevention is always better than cure. Investing in cybersecurity experts, educating employees about safe online practices, and regularly monitoring system and network activity can help protect your business from data breaches. Remember, in the digital world, staying vigilant is the key to staying secure.
In the event of a suspected data breach, it's crucial to act swiftly. Engage cybersecurity professionals to investigate the breach, determine its extent, and close any security gaps. Notify affected parties, including customers and regulatory bodies, as required by law. Finally, review and update your cybersecurity measures to prevent future breaches.
Don’t wait to discover a data breach, work with our team of cybersecurity experts to catch threats in their tracks. At Perspective Omni Media, we manage detection and response with 24x7 network monitoring and proactive threat mitigation at a Security Operations Center to monitor and stop threats in real-time.
Contact us to learn how we can help you keep your business protected.