What to Do When the FBI Calls About a Ransomware Attack on Your Business
Imagine this: you're at your desk, and the phone rings. It's the FBI. They're calling to inform you that your organization has been hit by a ransomware attack.
Your first reaction? Shock. Disbelief. Confusion.
How could this happen?
Unfortunately, ransomware attacks are one of the most devastating and common threats facing organizations today—and how you respond in the first few minutes can determine whether your company survives or suffers irreparable damage.
In this post, we walk through exactly what to do when the FBI contacts your organization about a ransomware breach.
Step 1: Verify That the FBI Call Is Legitimate
Scammers often impersonate federal agents to exploit panic. Before you take action:
- Request the agent’s full name, badge number, and direct callback number.
- Ask for the case number and any reference documentation.
- Politely tell them you will call back after verifying.
Go to FBI.gov to locate your nearest field office. Call directly and verify the agent’s credentials and case.
This step protects you from social engineering scams that exploit already stressful situations.
Step 2: Confirm the Breach — Your Data Has Been Compromised
While speaking with a verified FBI agent, the reality hits: your systems are compromised. The ransomware is inside—and possibly has been for 6 to 8 months.
This is no longer just an IT problem. It’s a business crisis involving:
- Stolen credentials
- Exfiltrated sensitive data
- Potential regulatory liabilities
By the time you find out, the threat actors may have already executed part of their attack plan. The next step is critical to ensure you do not tip off the threat actors that you are aware of the attack – which would cause them to lock ALL files or delete all data.
Step 3: Follow Your Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan
This is where an incident response plan (IRP) becomes mission-critical. A well-developed IRP outlines:
- Who to call (internal and external experts)
- Team roles and responsibilities
- Immediate containment procedures
Companies that recover fastest are the ones that follow a documented response plan—not those that panic.
If you don’t have a response plan in place yet, make it a priority to get one in place before you need it! Keep reading – below we have listed the NIST framework that you can use to get started.
Step 4: Should You Disconnect From the Network?
Your IT team may advise you to immediately disconnect affected systems from the network. This helps prevent the ransomware from spreading. However: disconnection helps contain the ransomware, but does not cure the infection.
Be careful not to delete files or wipe systems just yet. You will need to preserve evidence for investigation and potentially for legal or insurance purposes.
Step 5: Call Cybersecurity Experts Immediately
Time is your enemy in a ransomware attack. The faster professionals are brought in, the more you can save.
At West Central Technology (WCT), we act fast to:
- Contain and eliminate the ransomware
- Recover your critical data
- Restore systems quickly
- Prevent future attacks
Why Every Business Needs a Trusted IT Partner
When ransomware strikes, there is no time to guess your next move. Partnering with a cybersecurity team that knows your infrastructure and understands your business priorities can:
- Accelerate your response
- Limit downtime
- Reduce financial and reputational damage
West Central Technology is that partner. We are here when things go wrong—and we help ensure they don’t.
Proactive Prevention: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Ransomware attacks are becoming:
- More sophisticated
- More frequent
- More damaging
The best time to prepare was yesterday. The next best time is right now.
West Central Technology offers customized solutions tailored to meet your business’s unique needs, delivering comprehensive IT services, innovative solutions, and reliable ongoing support.
The 7 Phases of Effective Incident Response (NIST Framework)
To respond effectively to a ransomware attack, organizations should follow the NIST incident response lifecycle, which includes:
- Preparation – Train staff, build your incident response plan and secure systems.
- Identification – Detect and assess the attack.
- Containment – Limit damage by isolating systems.
- Eradication – Remove malware and secure vulnerabilities.
- Recovery – Restore systems and return to normal operations.
- Lessons Learned – Document what happened and improve defenses.
- Ongoing Improvement – Continuously test, review, and update.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Businesses often make costly errors, such as:
- Failing to back up critical systems
- Using unique credentials for their backup systems
- Not testing their incident response plan
- Lacking a clear chain of command
- Waiting too long to bring in professionals
Avoiding these pitfalls can save your company hundreds of thousands of dollars—and maybe even its future.
Secure Your Business Today
Whether you are under attack right now—or just trying to prevent one—West Central Technology is ready to help. Don't wait until you are in crisis mode. Contact West Central Technology today to safeguard your organization against ransomware attacks.