What should you do first if your server is hacked?

If your server is hacked, the first step is to immediately isolate the compromised server from the network to prevent further damage or unauthorized access. This can be done by disconnecting it from the internet and internal networks.

For example, if you notice unusual activity like unauthorized logins, data breaches, or malware infections, disconnect the server to stop the attacker from expanding their access.

After isolation, assess the situation by checking logs, identifying the entry point, and determining the scope of the breach. If you're using cloud services, leveraging managed security solutions can help. For instance, Tencent Cloud's Security Center provides real-time threat detection, vulnerability scanning, and incident response to help secure your infrastructure.

Next steps include:

1. Investigate the breach – Analyze logs and identify the root cause.
2. Patch vulnerabilities – Fix the security flaw that allowed the hack.
3. Restore from backups – If data was compromised, restore from a clean backup.
4. Strengthen security – Implement stronger access controls, firewalls, and monitoring.

Using Tencent Cloud's Web Application Firewall (WAF) can help protect against common web-based attacks, while Cloud Firewall enhances network security. Regular security audits and updates are crucial to prevent future incidents.