In the age of increasing cyber threats, businesses must be prepared for the inevitable: a cyber attack or data breach. Cyber resilience—the ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents—is no longer a luxury but a necessity for all organizations, regardless of size.

In this post, we will dive into the essential steps to build cyber resilience and ensure your business is prepared to handle any cyber challenge that comes its way.

Why Cyber Resilience Matters

Security experts agree that it’s not a matter of "if," but "when" you’ll face a cyber incident. While large enterprises may dominate the headlines, automated threats and non-targeted attacks affect organizations of all sizes. Cybercriminals are continually finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, which means businesses must remain vigilant at all times.

Having an incident response (IR) plan in place is crucial for mitigating risks during a cyber attack and recovering quickly. But what should that plan look like, and how can you ensure your business is ready for any crisis?

The Building Blocks of a Strong Incident Response Plan

The first step in building cyber resilience is preparing a comprehensive incident response (IR) plan. Even a basic list of actions can be effective if it’s regularly reviewed and updated. Your plan should evolve as your technology, business operations, and personnel change. Here’s what your IR plan should include:

• Key Roles and Responsibilities: Identify the key players within your organization, such as employees, insurance agents, technical staff, and legal counsel. Ensure everyone knows their role in a crisis.

• RACI Chart: Establish clearly defined roles for both internal employees and external teams. This helps avoid confusion during a cyber incident.

• Accessible Contact List: Make sure your contact list is easily accessible, even if your computer systems are compromised. This should include all employees and key external partners.

• Communication Plan: Outline what can and can’t be said during a crisis. Speculation can cause more harm than good, so make sure the team speaks only about verified facts.

• Critical Systems and Data: Know which systems and data are most crucial to your business, and ensure they are backed up. An updated asset inventory is vital here.

• Regular Review and Practice: Continuously review your IR plan and practice your response through tabletop exercises. Simulating scenarios like ransomware attacks will prepare your team for a real-life crisis.

Why a Short, Manageable Plan is Key

While a detailed plan might seem more comprehensive, in the midst of a crisis, it’s often easier to execute a shorter, more manageable plan. Focus on the most important actions and avoid getting bogged down by complexity. Regular practice through exercises will help ensure your team is comfortable and capable of responding efficiently when needed.

Reporting Cyber Crime: Your First Step

If you find yourself the victim of a cyber attack, the first thing you should do is report the incident to local law enforcement. They will know how to handle the situation and can refer you to other agencies for further assistance. Reporting the crime not only helps law enforcement take action but also supports the broader fight against cybercriminals.

Three Takeaways for Strong Cyber Resilience

1. Plan Not to Pay
   The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets and Control (OFAC) has warned against paying ransomware demands, as it may violate regulations and encourage future attacks. In fact, 80% of businesses that pay ransom will face another attack—often from the same perpetrators.

2. Maintain Evidence
   Every piece of evidence matters. From phishing emails to suspicious messages, ensure you save and submit all evidence to law enforcement. This is crucial for the investigation.

3. Don’t Recreate the Wheel
   I’m happy to provide an IR plan template to help you get started. Reach out via www.cyberstreams.com or wherever you're reading this.

Conclusion

Building cyber resilience is not a one-time effort but a continuous process of preparation and improvement. By having an IR plan in place, regularly practicing responses, and ensuring your team knows how to act in a crisis, you can significantly reduce the risk and impact of cyber attacks. Cyber resilience is a vital part of your business’s long-term success, so start today by taking these essential steps. Don’t wait for an incident to hit—be proactive and stay protected.