Businesses that do everything in-house face a perpetual risk of data breaches, and that risk is even higher for businesses that outsource to other countries. This is often because of varying tech infrastructure, complex access controls and differing cybersecurity enforcement.
Tight security measures and strict contracts can help keep your data safe, but they can only do so much. If an overseas employee leaks your company data—whether accidentally or not—quick action is necessary.
Here are some of the first steps you should take.
Re-secure your systems immediately
Take steps to secure your systems and prevent further unauthorized access. This may involve changing passwords, revoking access permissions or adding additional security measures.
After you re-secure your system, you can start assessing the situation. Find out the following:
- The compromised data and its sensitivity
- The method of breach
- Individuals or entities affected
Doing so may reveal more weaknesses in your system that need fixing.
Notify affected parties
According to Georgia law, you must notify entities if a data breach exposes their personal information. The notification should include details about the breach, the type of information exposed and the steps you are taking to address it.
Take note that you must send out this notification as soon as possible without unreasonable delays.
Consider taking legal action
If the data breach and its impact on your business is too significant, think about taking legal action. This can help recover compensation for damages caused by the breach and, sometimes, can result in court orders that prevent further spreading of the leaked information.
Cybersecurity incidents can happen at any time, anywhere. If something like this happens to your company, consulting a legal professional experienced in technology and Internet law can be beneficial.
