Expert suggests several responses to online security attacks

Mashable contributing writer Dallas Lawrence recently highlighted several steps companies should take if they are the victims of an online security breach. Businesses are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure a department is in place to handle an attack and understand legislation pertaining to such incidents.

"Identifying immediately what you know for certain and what you don’t know is critical," wrote Lawrence. "For example, organizations need to be prepared to address questions and concerns about the security of the system. Even though an activist may hijack a site to make a political point, it highlights a deeper potential for vulnerability that must be addressed."

Since the impact of a security breach goes beyond the company itself, businesses are encouraged to keep customers and employees updated on the situation, according to the writer.

Last month, an IT solutions vendor released a report suggesting that online security threats evolved in 2011 and targeted businesses and consumers through popular media such as mobile devices and social media networks. According to the company's CTO, companies must increase their defenses to thwart the 3.5 attacks that are created every second.