When an employee suspects a security breach, taking prompt and precise action is crucial to minimize damage and accelerate the response process. The steps employees should take are generally outlined in the organization’s incident response plan, but here are the basic actions that are typically recommended:

Actions to Take if Suspecting a Security Breach

Immediate Notification: Employees should report their suspicion as quickly as possible to the designated point of contact within the organization—usually the IT department, cybersecurity team, or a direct supervisor. Prompt reporting is critical to initiating the incident response process early, potentially limiting the impact of the breach.

Do Not Alter the Affected System: The employee should avoid shutting down or restarting the computer or device, as this may destroy valuable evidence needed for forensic investigation. They should refrain from deleting or altering files that they suspect are involved in the breach.

Document Observations: If possible, the employee should document everything related to the potential breach. This includes the times and dates of when suspicious activity was noticed, what the activity entailed, any unusual files, emails received, or messages displayed on the computer screen. Such documentation can be invaluable to the cybersecurity team.

Disconnect from Network: If directed by company policy, disconnect the affected system from the internet or network to prevent potential spread or data exfiltration. This might involve unplugging an Ethernet cable or disabling Wi-Fi, but only if such action won’t disrupt potential evidence.

Follow Specific Instructions from IT or Cybersecurity Team: The cybersecurity team may have specific steps or procedures for employees to follow when a suspected breach occurs. These might include running particular software, not accessing certain systems, or even isolating the affected device.

Avoid Speculation and Communication Outside of Official Channels: Employees should not speculate about the breach or share information about the incident with anyone outside of the designated reporting structure (including coworkers, media, or others outside the organization). Information should be kept confidential to prevent misinformation and potential escalation of the situation.

Participate in the Investigation: If required, the employee should be available to provide further details or clarification to the IT or cybersecurity team. They may also need to participate in remedial action or help with implementing additional security measures.

Creating an Effective Incident Response Environment

Training and Awareness: Regularly train employees on their role in the incident response plan and the importance of quick and accurate reporting.

Clear Reporting Channels: Ensure that all employees know how to quickly report a suspected security breach. This includes having easy-to-access contacts and a simple reporting process.

Simulations and Drills: Conduct regular security breach simulations to help employees practice their response in a controlled environment, which can help reduce panic and improve response times in real scenarios.