The Critical First 24 Hours After a Cyberattack: Why Incident Response Matters

  Cyberattacks are no longer threats exclusive to large corporations—they can target businesses of any size. In the heat of an attack, staying calm and acting according to a plan can significantly reduce the damage. The steps you take in the first 24 hours can prevent the spread of the threat and help recover your data.

  Incident response is a structured approach to handling and managing the aftermath of a security breach. Its goal is to contain the threat, minimize damage, restore operations, and prevent future incidents.

Key Actions to Take in the First 24 Hours:

• Detect and Confirm the Incident: Verify whether an actual security breach has occurred.

• Isolate the Affected Systems: Disconnect compromised devices to stop the spread.

• Analyze Logs and Events: Understand how the attack happened by reviewing system logs.

• Preserve Digital Evidence: Secure data for forensic analysis and possible legal proceedings.

• Communicate and Notify: Inform relevant teams, authorities, and stakeholders as needed.