What to Do After a Data Breach

It’s a situation no business wants to face: you discover that your company has suffered a data breach. Whether it’s due to a phishing email, outdated software, or an unsecured device, sensitive information has been compromised, and you’re unsure how much damage has been done. In these moments, taking swift and thoughtful action is key to protecting your business and maintaining trust with your customers.

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1. Determine the scope of the breach

The first step is to understand what happened. Take a close look at what data was accessed, how the breach occurred, and who has been affected. This includes finding out whether customer records, employee information, financial details, or other sensitive data were involved. Having a clear picture of the situation will help guide your next steps.

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2. Respond rapidly

Once you know the basics, act quickly. If your business has a response plan, put it into action. If not, gather the right people to help—this might include your IT team, legal advisers, cybersecurity experts, and communication professionals. Assign someone to lead the response and begin documenting everything you learn. Acting fast can help limit the damage and protect your systems from further exposure.

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3. Address the damage

Now it’s time to contain the breach and prevent more data from being lost. Restore any clean backups you have, reset passwords, and make sure all your systems are secure. If you’ve found any exposed information on your website or social media accounts, remove it immediately. Search the internet to see if any stolen data has been shared, and request takedowns if necessary. Quarantining affected devices and taking them offline can also help isolate the problem while your team investigates.

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4. Contact the right people

It’s important to notify the proper authorities and regulators. In Australia, this includes reporting serious data breaches to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as soon as possible. You should also report the incident to local police or cybercrime agencies, depending on the situation. Speak to your lawyer about what legal obligations apply to your industry and the type of data that was breached, so you can ensure you’re doing everything by the book.

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5. Prevent future breaches

Once the immediate crisis is over, take time to reflect on what happened and why. Look at your security measures and see what needs improvement. Ask yourself what changes could help prevent something similar from happening again. This might include upgrading systems, improving employee training, or developing a formal breach response plan. Use what you’ve learned to build a stronger, more resilient business moving forward.

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Why Communication Matters More Than Ever

Cybercriminals increasingly target small businesses, and many don’t have the resources to manage the fallout alone. Mishandling communication after a breach can lead to serious reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and even legal consequences.

That’s where Bare Media comes in. We specialise in helping Australian businesses manage communication during and after a cyber incident—working behind the scenes to protect your brand and support your customers.

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