Written by Rich Ford, CTO, Integrity360
A ransomware attack is a serious threat to any organisation in Northern Ireland. Data from the UK’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey indicates that nearly 32 per cent of medium-sized and 59 per cent of large businesses in the UK suffered cyber attacks in the past year.
For organisations here, acting quickly and decisively in the first 24 hours is critical to limit damage, safeguard data, and get operations back on track.
Step one: confirm the attack and isolate systems
Ransomware doesn’t always announce itself dramatically. It may start quietly—encrypting files, slowing down systems, or triggering unusual behaviour. In Northern Ireland, where many businesses rely on shared services and hybrid working, this lateral spread can be particularly damaging.
Once ransomware is suspected, isolate affected devices immediately. Disconnect machines from networks, disable remote access, and block malicious traffic at firewall level. Speed is key to preventing a broader impact.
Step two: notify stakeholders and activate your incident response team
Ransomware is a business-wide issue, not just an IT concern. Quickly alert senior management, legal teams, compliance officers, and communications personnel. Appoint a crisis lead to coordinate the response.
If you already have an incident response plan in place, activate it now. Clear coordination between departments will speed up containment and recovery, while helping ensure compliance with legal and reputational obligations.
Step three: secure backups and avoid negotiating with attackers
Never engage directly with cyber criminals. Doing so may expose your organisation to further risk or even legal scrutiny. Focus instead on preserving evidence and securing your backups and system logs.
Undertake a forensic investigation to assess the scale of the attack. Identify when it began, which systems are affected, and whether any personal or sensitive data has been stolen—especially important under UK GDPR.
Step four: meet your legal and regulatory responsibilities
If personal data is involved, you must report the incident to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours under UK GDPR. Depending on your sector, you may also need to notify the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) or relevant industry regulators.
Ensure all reports are clear, detailed, and timely. Keep a record of all decisions made, actions taken, and communications shared. This transparency is vital for demonstrating due diligence.
Step five: recover and reinforce your defences
Only begin recovery once systems have been thoroughly examined and the threat fully removed. Recovery isn’t just about restoring backups—it’s about verifying system integrity, removing access points, and applying necessary patches.
Consider post-incident reviews to uncover any security gaps. This is also the time to strengthen your future defences through training, policy updates, and regular testing.
Why early response matters
The impact of ransomware goes beyond immediate disruption. It can cause long-term financial, operational, and reputational harm. For Northern Irish organisations, a swift, informed, and coordinated response is key to containing the threat.
Routine exercises, staff awareness programmes, and up-to-date response strategies will position your organisation to respond more effectively under pressure.
Ready for what’s next
The first day of a ransomware attack is high-pressure, but preparation makes all the difference. With a well-rehearsed incident response plan and clear communication, your organisation can weather the storm and emerge more resilient than before.
Sync NI's Summer 2025 magazine celebrates women in tech across Ireland as we continue to encourage more women to enter the thriving sector and address the current gender imbalance. Read the Summer 2025 Sync NI Magazine online for free here.
