What is the first step a security administrator should take if a data breach occurs at a company?

The first step a security administrator should take if a data breach occurs is to assess potential data exposure. This initial assessment is crucial for understanding the scope and impact of the breach. By quickly identifying what data has been compromised, the security administrator can determine the necessary response measures to mitigate further risk and inform subsequent actions.

During this assessment, critical information such as the nature of the breach, which systems were affected, and what types of data were exposed is gathered. This foundational understanding allows for a structured response and helps prioritize actions based on the sensitivity of the exposed data and the potential impact on the organization and its stakeholders.

Once the assessment is complete, appropriate measures, including notifications and remediation, can be planned and executed effectively. This step helps ensure that actions taken are data-driven and aligned with the severity of the incident, ultimately aiding in incident management and recovery.