5 Signs Your Business Has Been Hacked (And What to Do Next)
5 Signs Your Business Has Been Hacked (And What to Do Next)
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. From small businesses to large enterprises, every organization is a potential target for hackers. But how do you know if your business has been compromised?
Here are five telltale signs your business has been hacked—and what you should do immediately to minimize damage.
1. Unusual Network Activity
One of the first red flags of a cyber attack on your business is unusual or unexplained network behavior. You might notice:
- Slower internet speeds
- Unknown devices connected to your network
- Outbound traffic to suspicious IP addresses
What to do:
Run a network diagnostic and check your logs. Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) or firewalls to block suspicious traffic. Involve your IT team or a cybersecurity expert right away.
2. Unauthorized Access or Login Attempts
If you're seeing failed login attempts or access from unusual geographic locations, it's likely someone is trying—or has succeeded—in gaining unauthorized access.
What to do:
Immediately change all passwords, especially for admin accounts. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) and monitor access logs for further breaches.
3. Files Are Missing, Locked, or Altered
Another common sign of a hacked business system is corrupted or missing files. If files are encrypted and demand a ransom to unlock, you’re likely facing ransomware.
What to do:
Do not pay the ransom. Instead, isolate affected systems, report the attack to authorities, and consult cybersecurity professionals. Regular backups are your best defense—restore data if you have a clean version available.
4. Customers or Partners Report Suspicious Emails
Hackers often use compromised business email accounts to launch phishing attacks on your clients or vendors. If people are reporting emails you didn’t send, it’s time to act.
What to do:
Scan your email servers for breaches, reset credentials, and send a notification to your contact list warning them of the phishing attempt. Consider switching to a more secure email provider or implementing email security solutions like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM.
5. Antivirus or Security Tools Are Disabled
Cybercriminals often disable antivirus or firewall protections to stay undetected. If your security software is unexpectedly turned off, assume your system has been compromised.
What to do:
Disconnect from the network immediately. Reinstall or update your antivirus tools, and run a full malware scan. Consider re-imaging affected systems to ensure all malicious code is removed.
What to Do After a Business Cyber Attack
Realizing your business has been hacked is frightening—but quick action can reduce the damage. Here's a brief action plan:
- Contain the Breach: Disconnect affected devices and stop the spread.
- Investigate the Attack: Identify what systems were affected, how the attack occurred, and what data was compromised.
- Notify Stakeholders: Inform employees, customers, and partners as required by law.
- Patch Vulnerabilities: Update all software, systems, and protocols to prevent future attacks.
- Create or Revise Your Cybersecurity Strategy: Implement ongoing monitoring, staff training, and data protection policies.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Being proactive is the best defense against cyber threats. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, investing in cybersecurity for small businesses is crucial.
If you suspect your business has been hacked, take immediate action—and consider partnering with a trusted cybersecurity provider to strengthen your digital defenses.
Need Help?
Our team of cybersecurity experts is here to help assess vulnerabilities and protect your business from future threats.
Contact us today at marketing@udtechs.com for a free consultation.