As more of our businesses go online, the safety concerns that accompany them are shifting to the cyber realm as well. While the security of our physical sites is crucial, an operator cannot afford to overlook the hazards that exist online. To safeguard your data and properties online, you must take the necessary precautions. However, no matter how many safeguards we take, we may still have a compromised server and become a victim of cybercrime. It is critical that we do not become nervous or overwhelmed in these situations, but rather concentrate on getting our company back on its feet.
What is a Compromised Server?
“Compromised” is a pleasant way of describing somebody or something breaking into your computer without your consent or approval. A server that has been infiltrated or compromised is no longer totally under your control. Someone else now has partial control of your server and is exploiting it for their own gain. There are two main methods that a server might be hacked:
- A password of a server user has been guessed by the hacker. This might be a person who uses email, ftp, or ssh.
- The hacker got access via a security flaw in a web application (or its addons/plugins) such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, or another similar platform.
5 Things to Do After Server is Hacked
You’ve just discovered that your server has been hacked. So, what’s next?
1. Keep Calm: While this may seem like a no-brainer, it is critical that you make a concerted effort to remain calm. Recognize that the crisis has already occurred. This is not the time for denial; now is the moment to accept what has occurred, be realistic about it, and take actions to mitigate the impact’s repercussions.
2. Request for Back-Up: If you don’t understand a component of the server hack or your in-house tech team is having trouble resolving it, don’t be afraid to seek assistance from someone who does. Find the finest candidate for the job by utilizing your network of contacts.
3. Remove your Server Offline: Disconnect the systems that are affected by the Internet. If necessary, have someone physically visit the server and remove network cables. Regardless of any other issues, keeping the system linked to the internet will simply allow the attack to continue. Also, change all of your passwords for all accounts on all devices on the same network as the hacked systems, and limit access until the hack is discovered and fixed.
4. Malware Scan: In most cases, hackers gain access to servers through systems connected to them. As a result, it’s critical to scan every device in your business that has network access for malware. Other than the established equipment in your business, don’t forget to consider personal devices like cellphones, tablets, and laptops. Finding the virus that was deployed can help your company get closer to resolving the problem.
5. Evaluate the Damage: It’s critical to determine what data has been compromised or lost before figuring out how to improve your security. You’ll be able to see what data has been lost if you do a regular server update, and you’ll be able to assess the damage, at least on the surface. After you’ve determined which data has been compromised, you can take the necessary procedures to restore the situation.
Unorganized or panicked responses by organizations that are not prepared hurt and destroy the company significantly more. When dealing with compromised servers, knowledge and expertise are essential. Contact Expert IT Solutions to learn more.
