🚨 What to do if your business is hacked: A Straightforward Guide

No one wants to see it happen—but if your business gets hacked and data is compromised, knowing what to do immediately can make all the difference. Here’s a simple, clear guide on the legal steps to take and who to call.

Four individuals react with shock and concern upon discovering their computer has been hacked, as displayed by the ominous "Hacked" message on the screen featuring a skull and crossbones.

🛑 Step 1: Stop the Bleeding

As soon as you suspect a breach:

• Disconnect affected systems from the network.

• Call your internal IT team or a professional cybersecurity firm to assess the damage and stop further access.

Don’t wipe anything—preserve all logs and evidence for investigation.

👮 Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement

1. FBI Cybercrime Division

The FBI handles most cybercrime investigations, including ransomware and data breaches.

• 🔗 Report online: www.ic3.gov

• 📞 Austin Field Office: (512) 345-1111

• 📍 1 Quarry Ridge, Austin, TX 78759

2. CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency)

If you’re part of critical infrastructure (finance, healthcare, energy, etc.), call CISA for emergency coordination.

• 📧 Email: central@cisa.dhs.gov

• 📞 Hotline: 888-282-0870

• 🌐 Report online: cisa.gov/report

3. U.S. Secret Service – Cyber Fraud Task Force

For cases involving major financial fraud or ransomware, the Secret Service can assist.

⚖️ Step 3: Call Your Lawyer

A cybersecurity attorney will help you:

• Understand what you're legally required to report

• Prepare public and customer notifications

• Limit your liability and regulatory exposure

📣 Step 4: Notify Affected People (If Required)

If customer data, health records, or payment information was leaked, you’ll need to notify:

• Affected individuals

• Credit reporting agencies

• Possibly your industry regulator

Healthcare companies must notify HHS, and most businesses will need to inform the FTC and their State Attorney General.

Texas Businesses:

• 📍 Texas Attorney General’s Data Breach Reporting:https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov

• 📞 (512) 463-2100

🧠 Final Thought

Getting hacked is a nightmare—but handling it the right way can protect your business from further harm, legal trouble, and reputational damage.

Need help building a proactive cybersecurity plan or breach response policy?📞 BYTEBAK SOLUTIONS is here to help.Let’s make sure you’re protected before it’s too late.