Chapter 09 of 11 · Handle the Incident

Breaches involving a ransomware attack

Ransomware is usually a personal data breach, especially when data was stolen.

  • By Thilanka Dilshan
  • Updated October 5, 2026

Ransomware is usually a personal data breach, especially when data was stolen. Both the encryption and any data theft must be assessed. Restoring from backup does not remove the duty to assess.

The short version

Start with what already exists. Most organisations have routines, documents or tools that cover part of the need, and connecting them is faster than building something new.

A quick check

  • Assess unavailability and data theft separately
  • Assume data theft until proven otherwise
  • Coordinate with your incident responders

Making it stick

See the ransomware guide for the technical side. Review the result after three months and adjust. What works in practice is worth more than what looks complete on paper.

Thilanka Dilshan

Get a 30-Minute Security Briefing.
No Pitch Deck.

Talk to a Sweden-based analyst. We'll review your posture, map your gaps and give you a clear picture of where you stand, in plain language.

Book a Free Briefing
No commitment Sweden-based analyst