What Happens After a Breach: Steps to Take and Tools That Help
So your HOA or small business got hacked, or maybe you just learned a vendor you rely on was compromised. Now what?
The moments after a breach matter. What you do next can either contain the damage or lead to a much bigger problem.
This guide walks you through smart, simple steps to take immediately after a breach, and explains how password managers like 1Password for Business, Keeper Security, Passpack, and LastPass help prevent future incidents.
Step 1: Find Out What Was Affected
- Which logins, platforms, or emails were exposed?
- Was it a shared password, banking login, resident database, or vendor portal?
- Who had access, and do they still need it?
If you already use a password manager, you can quickly pull reports showing vault access and sharing history. If not, this is a great reason to start using one.
Need a more comprehensive plan? See: How to develop a cybersecurity plan for your community association
Step 2: Change the Compromised Passwords
- Generate unique replacements
- Avoid reusing the same passwords across accounts
- Store the new credentials securely
1Password’s Watchtower will alert you to reused or weak passwords and walk you through replacing them. Keeper Security has a similar breach scan tool.
Also check out: Why changing your passwords is vital
Step 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for any account that supports it:
- Authenticator apps (like 1Password’s built-in code generator)
- SMS codes or hardware keys
Password managers can auto-fill 2FA codes to make the process seamless.
Step 4: Notify Your Team or HOA Board
If shared accounts were involved, let the rest of the team know:
- Revoke access for anyone who no longer needs it
- Share updated credentials securely
- Monitor who accessed what and when
This step is easier with tools like 1Password that support detailed permissions. Pair this with communication tools for modern HOAs to coordinate your response.
Step 5: Document Everything
Make a record of the incident:
- What systems were accessed
- Which passwords were changed
- When 2FA was applied
- Who was notified
This helps your organization learn from the event and improve its response next time.
Also review how you handle sensitive resident data. See: Best practices for posting residents’ personal information
Don’t Wait for the Next Breach
Security isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparation.
Password managers help you stay ahead by:
- Storing passwords securely
- Alerting you to risky credentials
- Supporting fast offboarding
- Enabling secure collaboration
If you're serious about protecting your HOA, start with a trusted tool like 1Password for Business or Keeper.
