You Got Hacked, Now What? A Cybersecurity Emergency Playbook For MSMEs

This isn’t a plot twist from a tech thriller. It’s the everyday reality for thousands of small to medium-sized businesses who never thought they’d be targeted by cybercriminals.

If you're reading this because your business has just experienced a cyberattack or you’re preparing for the worst, this blog is going to be your lifeline. It's not just a checklist. We have prepared an emergency playbook created for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) who don’t have an in-house IT army or million-dollar recovery budgets.

Why Small Businesses Are Big Targets

Cybersecurity in business is no longer optional. Contrary to popular belief, MSMEs are among the most frequent victims of cybercrime. Why? Because attackers know that small businesses often lack advanced security infrastructure and are more likely to pay ransoms to stay afloat.

According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach report:

1. 43% of cyberattacks target small and medium-sized businesses.
2. The average cost of a small business breach is ₹2.5 – ₹4 crore, including downtime, legal fees, and data loss.

This is where most MSMEs get blindsided: they assume they’re too small to be noticed. But in reality, they’re too vulnerable to be ignored.

Also Read: 7 Costly Mistakes MSMEs Make And How To Avoid Them

Steps To Follow As First Response (MSME Edition)

Once you’ve detected or confirmed a cyberattack, the first few hours are critical. Your actions can determine whether the damage is contained or spirals out of control.

1. Isolate the Breach

Immediately disconnect the affected systems from your network. This includes:

• Infected computers or servers
• Compromised accounts
• Shared drives or cloud services

If you’re using a firewall or security tool, block external connections and restrict lateral movement inside your network. Don’t power down machines unless instructed by a cybersecurity professional. It may destroy forensic evidence.

2. Notify Your Internal Team

Inform your employees of the breach and instruct them:

• Not to open suspicious emails or files
• To change their passwords using a secure network
• To stop using shared collaboration tools until cleared

Clear, calm communication is key. Panic leads to mistakes.

3. Contact Your Cybersecurity Provider or Consultant

If you’ve partnered with a cybersecurity services company, call them immediately. These experts can:

• Assess the extent of the breach
• Begin incident response and threat neutralization
• Preserve evidence for legal and compliance reporting

No provider? Look for reputable cybersecurity companies that offer emergency breach response for small businesses.

Take the free Atom Demo

Once the immediate threat is contained, it’s time to assess damage and secure your digital assets.

4. Identify What Was Affected

Once the immediate threat is contained, it’s time to assess damage and secure your digital assets. This includes:

• Customer databases
• Financial systems
• Internal files and employee data
• Third-party integrations (e.g., payment gateways)

Map out the breach timeline. Understanding when and how the attacker got in will help plug the vulnerabilities.

5. Secure All Entry Points

Change all passwords across your business systems, especially:

• Email accounts
• Cloud platforms
• Payroll and HR software
• CRMs and client data hubs

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across your tech stack. Many breaches happen due to weak or reused passwords.

6. Communicate With Affected Stakeholders

Transparency builds trust. If the breach impacts customers or vendors:

• Notify them clearly
• Share what data may have been affected
• Offer support or remediation (e.g., free credit monitoring)

In some jurisdictions, data breach notification is a legal requirement. Failing to disclose can result in penalties or lawsuits.

Also Read: The Anatomy Of An Engaged Employee

Cybersecurity for Small Business: The Prevention Plan You Can’t Skip

Here’s the harsh truth: once you’ve been attacked, you’re more likely to be targeted again. Hackers often resell vulnerable credentials on the dark web. So the post-breach phase is where real security begins.

Here’s how to future-proof your MSME:

1. Train Your People

Human error is the #1 cause of breaches. Invest in:

• Quarterly cybersecurity workshops
• Simulated phishing tests
• Clear data-handling policies
• Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) guidelines

Cybersecurity in business begins with awareness.

2. Implement a Cybersecurity Framework

Use recognized standards like:

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
• ISO/IEC 27001
• CERT-IN compliance (India)

Even simplified versions of these frameworks create clear guardrails for security hygiene.

3. Partner With a Cybersecurity Services Provider

You don’t need a 24/7 in-house security team. But you do need a trusted cybersecurity partner who can:

• Monitor your systems
• Update patches
• Perform regular audits
• Respond fast to new threats

Look for cybersecurity companies that specialize in SMBs, with transparent pricing, local support, and customized solutions.

Explore Atom Suite: https://gofloww.co/

How Atom Suite Helps You Stay Secure by Design

While Atom Suite isn’t a dedicated cybersecurity product, it’s designed with built-in safety for growing businesses. When your operations live on a single, integrated platform, you naturally reduce:

• Shadow IT risks
• Password sharing across apps
• Data scattered across personal devices

With role-based access, secure collaboration tools, and smart email integrations, Atom Suite helps MSMEs streamline business operations without compromising security.

Because good security isn’t always about firewalls, it’s about eliminating the chaos.

You Can’t Predict Every Breach, But You Can Be Prepared

Cyberattacks are not just a tech problem. They’re a business reality and one that MSMEs can no longer afford to ignore.

If you’ve been hacked, know this: it’s not the end. It’s a wake-up call. With the right steps, partners, and systems in place, your business can not only recover, it can also become more resilient than ever.

Don’t let your next cybersecurity investment be reactionary. Make it strategic. Make it part of how you run your business, not just protect it.

Read More: Complete Step By Step Walkthrough Of Atom HR 2.0

Read More: Top 10 Reasons Why MSMEs Should Use Atom Mail