Common Mistakes That Lead To A Data Breach

Is your data well-protected?

As a business owner, a threat to your company’s and customer’s data can be your biggest nightmare. Hence, you have to ensure that you take the right measures to protect your company’s data.

We are sure you understand that many potential threats could lead to a data breach. And to combat those threats, you must be ready for them. After all, it is your duty to protect your company’s sensitive data.

Today’s post will discuss some of the most common causes of data breaches. We will also talk about how to avoid them.

But before that, let’s look at what the data breach is?

What Is A Data Breach

Data breach simply means when someone steals your private information. Such as credit card numbers, personal emails, passwords, addresses, etc.

In technical language, a data breach is unauthorized access. For instance, theft of confidential, sensitive, or protected information stored on a computer. It may also include the theft of:

• company records
• financial information
• customer details
• medical information
• personal identification information
• trade secrets, intellectual property
• Or other types of valuable information

You might be wondering what causes data breaches. Let’s take a look at the causes of the data breaches.

Causes Of Data Breach

The following are the major causes of the data breach.

Cause 1. Unpatched or Outdated Software

Not patching security holes and updating software and applications is like an open invitation to hackers.
You could expose your entire business to theft, fraud, identity theft, and other crimes if a hacker takes control of your website, application, or database. These are some of the risks associated with a lack of cybersecurity.

You must keep a backup of your databases and applications. It is a perfect way to prevent damage to your computers and files.

Hackers are becoming smart; they use different methods to attack your website. They trick users into giving them access to their files. Hackers may also install malicious code onto your site to extract private information.

If you don’t have a backup system for your data, you may not be able to recover it…ever.

Cause 2. Insider or Outsider Malicious Criminals

Online hackers and cybercriminals send scam emails and links. Upon opening or clicking those links, the data is exposed to the risk of theft.

Cybercriminals used this technique when they exploited two unpatched vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows. It allowed them to access the internal network and get login credentials for hundreds of computers, including those of federal agencies.

The malicious software allows them to download files, view email correspondence, and record keyboard activity.

Ensure your email addresses and links are only sent via secure channels, such as using the “HTTPS” protocol. Also, if you receive an attachment that you aren’t familiar with, ask the sender about it.
If the sender is unwilling to provide details, you should delete the file or mark it as suspicious.

Cause 3. Weak and Stolen Passwords

Password hacking is a significant security risk, but it’s still often overlooked. Many people choose passwords that are easy to guess and remember, such as a date or a simple phrase.

It’s also easy to crack a weak password with off-the-shelf tools. When a company uses a bad password policy, hackers can access all the accounts.

The majority of organizations that experienced data breaches in 2013 have been breached due to weak or stolen passwords. A study showed that out of the 1 billion passwords collected in 2016, 93% were vulnerable to hacking.

This is an alarming statistic considering a password breach can allow attackers to access your private data.

Cause 4. Insider Threats Due to Misuse of Privileged Access

Insider threats often come from people who have been working for the same company for several years. These employees often feel like they know everything about the business and know where the weaknesses are. They have access to sensitive information, and they abuse that knowledge.

They also use that knowledge to steal confidential information that can benefit them financially. Because they are already working there, they know what the company is doing and where the security flaws are.

This can be very damaging to the company’s safety and reputation. It’s never safe to disclose private information with whom you worked for years. They could be using your information for personal gain.
If you feel somebody is misusing their privilege, you should inform your company’s security department about it.

After discussing the different causes of a data breach, let us now discuss the different types of breaches.

What Are The Different Types Of Breaches?

Every day, thousands of data breaches occur. Data breaches are of many different types. Understanding their types and the severity of their harm is important for everyone. As it can help people identify such attacks and can take timely measures.

The following are some of the common types of data breaches:

1. Minor Or Partial Breach

In minor or partial data breaches, the stolen data is not sensitive. But, if a minor breach results in the theft of a customer’s information, the company’s reputation will be questioned.

The next type of breach is:

2.  Serious Breach

, Unlike a partial breach, a serious breach is where a lot of data is exposed. Or some highly sensitive information about a person or an organization is stolen. Under such cases, people feel a violation of their privacy.

A common example of a serious breach would be sending a marketing email where emails and other recipients’ details are visible.

Moving on to the next type of data breach, which is:

3. Major Breach

The most severe breaches are considered major breaches. These breaches can lead to legal implications. And sometimes costs a company a heavy price.

Some of the most common major breaches are:

• Phishing attacks
• Malicious insider threats
• Ransomware

The online world is not 100% safe. Especially when it comes to our sensitive and confidential information. Hence it is important to be vigilant about the data and take extra measures for its protection.

Summing Up

Organizations must understand the sensitivity and security of data. They should take concrete steps and make foolproof arrangements for cyber security.

The company should also train its employees about data breaches, their causes, and how to combat them. Similarly, users and customers should also exercise precautions. They should choose a strong password and refrain from sharing it with anyone.