What to do in the event of a cyber attack: tips and best practices

Cyber attacks have become a daily reality, affecting both individuals and businesses with alarming frequency and sophistication. The threat of these digital attacks has never been more pressing than today, as our lives and economies become increasingly interconnected. Cyber attacks can take many forms, from phishing to ransomware to attacks on critical infrastructures, and can have sometimes disastrous consequences. So how do you deal with a cyber attack? What reflexes should you adopt to protect your data and secure your IT systems?

Definition of a cyber attack

A cyber attack is a threat aimed at exploiting the vulnerabilities of a computer system (computer, server, network) to carry out a malicious act. This may involve unauthorized access to confidential information, data theft, remote control, malware propagation or online account hacking. Behind these attacks are often individuals or organized groups, commonly referred to as “pirates” or “hackers”, who may be motivated by a variety of objectives, ranging from financial gain to the simple pursuit of notoriety, to more malicious intentions such as industrial espionage or sabotage.

These digital threats exploit technical vulnerabilities, but can also take advantage of human or organizational weaknesses, such as a lack of IT security awareness. A cyber attack can compromise the security of data and critical infrastructures, cause prolonged service interruptions and expose the company to the risk of legal disputes. It can also compromise the confidentiality of personal and business information, lead to significant financial losses, and damage the trust of customers and partners.

Consequences for individuals and businesses

For private individuals, a cyber attack can cause serious problems: identity theft, fraudulent transactions, loss of personal data (photos, videos, e-mails), even infiltration of connected home equipment (surveillance cameras, thermostats, etc.).

Companies, for their part, face even greater risks in the event of a cyber attack: complete or partial business stoppage, financial losses (theft, fraud), damage to reputation, leakage of confidential information (customer data, industrial secrets) or failure of protection systems.

What to do in the event of a cyber attack

If you are the victim of a cyber attack, whether you are a private individual or a company, here are some good reflexes to adopt:

What to do in the event of a cyber-attack on your business?

When a company, small business or SME, is faced with a cyber attack, the speed and effectiveness of the response is crucial to minimize damage and disruption. Here are the key steps to follow:

Immediately disconnect the machine from the network to limit the spread of the attack. This includes disconnecting the network cable, Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Keep the device switched on to avoid losing evidence essential to future investigations.
Alert IT support or the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) without delay, so that they can take the necessary action.
Stop using compromised equipment to avoid deleting important traces.
Inform colleagues to prevent actions that could aggravate the situation.

In addition to these immediate measures, in France, for instance, it is imperative to file a complaint within 72 hours of discovering the attack, in accordance with the French Ministry of the Interior’s Loi d’Orientation et de Programmation (LOPMI) in force since April 24, 2023. This filing of a complaint is a sine qua non condition for companies to be able to claim compensation from their insurer, if such a policy has been taken out.

How do you react to a cyber attack as an individual?

If you’re a private individual and find yourself under cyber attack, acting quickly can go a long way to minimizing the damage. Here are the steps you can take to secure your information and limit the spread of the attack:

Immediately disconnect your devices from the network to prevent the threat from spreading. This can involve your computer, your smartphone, but also your connected objects that could be compromised, such as your surveillance camera or thermostat.
Identify the type of attack you’re under. Cyber attacks can take many forms, from computer viruses and phishing to ransomware. Recognizing the type of attack will help you determine the specific measures you need to take.
Contact professional IT support if necessary. Getting help to technically manage the incident can be crucial to recovering your data or securing your systems.
Change all your passwords, starting with those for the most sensitive accounts, such as e-mail, online banking and social networks. Opt for strong, unique passwords for each account.
Inform those around you about the attack, so that they too can be vigilant. Cyber attacks can sometimes spread through networks of contacts, so it’s important to warn family, friends and colleagues.

How to prevent cyber attacks

Although it’s impossible to completely protect against cyber attacks, there are several measures you can take to reduce the risks:

1. Make sure you use an effective security system

To protect your computer and your data, install high-quality antivirus software and keep it up to date. Make sure you activate a firewall and configure your browser’s security options correctly.

2. Update your software regularly

Updates are essential to correct security flaws in your computer systems, especially operating systems (Windows, MacOS) and Internet browsers. So don’t forget to carry out updates as soon as they become available.

3. Be vigilant against phishing attempts

Le phishing est une technique utilisée par les pirates pour tromper les internautes en leur faisant croire qu’ils communiquent avec un site officiel ou une entreprise fiable et obtenir ainsi leurs identifiants et mots de passe. Phishing is a technique used by hackers to deceive Internet users into believing that they are communicating with an official site or a reliable company, thereby obtaining their logins and passwords. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in e-mails, and learn to recognize the signs of a fraudulent e-mail. If in doubt, contact the company directly.

4. Adopt good password practices

Use complex, unique passwords for every account you have (email, social networks, e-commerce sites…). Change them regularly, and don’t hesitate to use a password manager to help you remember them safely.

5. Raise awareness among your employees and friends

In the workplace, training and raising awareness of cybersecurity risks is essential. You can set up in-house training programs or call on the services of specialized organizations. For private individuals, find out about the dangers that exist, and tell your friends and family about them.

In the face of a cyber attack, it’s best to keep calm and adopt the right reflexes to limit the damage. However, prevention remains the best weapon for protecting against these threats: updating computer systems, being vigilant in the face of phishing attempts, raising awareness among those around you… It’s a constant effort, and the challenges are evolving as rapidly as the technologies themselves. So let’s stay alert and implement best practices to ensure our digital security.