Clear communication is key—just like during a cybersecurity incident.
Cybersecurity isn’t just a buzzword anymore. For small and mid-sized businesses in the U.S., it’s a growing necessity. Think your business is too small to be a target? Think again. Over 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses, according to a report by Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report. And yet, many SMEs still don’t have a plan for what to do if (or when) something goes wrong.
Let’s change that. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to create a cybersecurity incident response plan that makes sense for your business. No jargon. No fluff. Just clear steps and a free template you can use.
What is a cybersecurity incident response plan, and why should you care?
A cybersecurity incident response plan is your game plan for when a cyber incident hits. It lays out what your team should do if your systems are hacked, your data is leaked, or someone accidentally clicks the wrong link and opens the door to ransomware.
It’s not just a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have. A response plan can help reduce downtime, prevent data loss, and save you a ton of stress (and money) in the long run.
Why do U.S. small businesses need a cybersecurity plan?
Because hackers love easy targets. And small businesses often don’t have the same protections or dedicated IT teams that big corporations do. Add in the rise of remote work, cloud tools, and digital payments, and suddenly the risk multiplies.
There’s also the legal side. U.S. businesses must comply with data privacy laws like CCPA, HIPAA, or state-specific breach notification rules. A clear plan helps show that you’re taking reasonable steps to protect customer data.
In short: even if you’re not a tech company, you’re still at risk. And being unprepared can cost you.
What are the key parts of a cybersecurity incident response plan?
A solid plan usually includes six core phases. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Preparation
- Assign clear roles (who does what if things go south).
- Keep an updated inventory of your tech, data, and tools.
- Make sure backups are happening regularly.
- Train employees on basic cyber hygiene.
2. Detection and Identification
- Use monitoring tools and security alerts.
- Know how to spot red flags like unauthorized access or unusual system behavior.
- Document signs of a breach as soon as they appear.
3. Containment
- Isolate affected systems or devices.
- Decide whether you need short-term or long-term containment (sometimes both).
- Prevent the threat from spreading.
4. Eradication
- Remove malware or compromised accounts.
- Fix vulnerabilities (like outdated software or weak passwords).
5. Recovery
- Restore clean backups.
- Get systems back online safely.
- Monitor for any signs of reinfection.
6. Post-Incident Review
- Ask: What worked? What didn’t?
- Document everything.
- Update your plan and train your team based on what you learned.
How do you build a simple incident response plan from scratch?
Don’t overcomplicate it. Start with what you have.
- Step 1: Define your incident response teamAssign roles like Incident Lead, IT Lead, Communications Lead, and Legal Contact. In a small business, some people might wear multiple hats.
- Step 2: Identify what counts as an incident; every pop-up or glitch is a breach. Clearly outline what triggers a response (e.g., system outage, data leak, suspicious login).
- Step 3: Create step-by-step procedures for each phase (detection, containment, etc.), and list clear actions your team should take. Think of it like a playbook.
- Step 4: Set up communication protocolsDecide how you’ll notify employees, customers, vendors, or authorities. Have templates ready for quick response.
- Step 5: Practice with tabletop exercises through a mock scenario with your team. It helps you spot gaps before something real happens.
What’s included in the free cybersecurity response plan template?
Our downloadable template includes:
- Role assignments
- Incident categories
- Response steps by phase
- Communication checklist
- Post-incident review form
It’s designed with U.S. small businesses in mind, so you don’t have to wade through enterprise-level complexity. Customize it to fit your setup.
What mistakes should you avoid when making your response plan?
- Not testing it. A plan that’s never practiced is as good as no plan.
- Leaving out vendors or third parties. If you rely on cloud providers or outsourced IT, include them.
- No clear leadership. In a crisis, someone needs to call the shots.
- Ignoring internal and external communication. Transparency builds trust and helps manage the fallout.
How often should you update your cybersecurity plan?
Aim to review your plan at least once a year. Update it whenever you:
- Add new software or vendors
- Grow your team
- Experience an incident
- Change business processes
Cyber threats evolve, and your plan should too. Even small tweaks can make a big difference.
Final thoughts: Are you ready to respond?
Here’s the truth: hoping it won’t happen to you isn’t a strategy.
- Having a response plan is. And it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Use our free cybersecurity incident response template to get started. Adapt it, test it, and keep it handy. Your future self (and your business) will thank you.
Download the free template now and take the first step toward better cybersecurity.
FAQ: Cybersecurity Incident Response Plans for Small Businesses
Q: What is the main goal of an incident response plan? A: To minimize damage, recover quickly, and learn from the event so it doesn’t happen again.
Q: Do small businesses need a cybersecurity plan? A: Yes. Small businesses are prime targets for attacks and often have the most to lose.
Q: Who should be on the incident response team? A: At a minimum, a team lead, IT support (internal or outsourced), someone handling communication, and a legal contact, if possible.
Q: How often should we test the plan? A: At least once a year, or after any major change in your tech or team.Q: Where can I get a free cybersecurity response template? A: You can download one directly from this blog post (look for the link above).
