Most Common Types of Data Breaches

A data breach means the exploitation of privacy and exposure of sensitive data. A company should protect its confidential information with every means.

Even with all security measures in the organization, a data breach is still a genuine threat to data security. There are various types of data breaches and that possess a higher amount of risk to the sensitive data. The organization must take pre-data breaching measures and ready for the post-data breaching steps.

Most Common Types of Data Breaches

1. Stolen Information:

This type of data breaching can seem ridiculous to you, but this is one of the most common things. A human can make errors, and these errors can cause stolen information and cost their organization a tremendous amount of money.

Let us suppose you have sent a confidential file to your employee, and he works remotely. He leaves his laptop or mobile open for any other work, now anyone can steal data from his system or mobile and can use it for blackmail. Mobile data security is essential too.

Also Checkout Privacy vs Confidentiality

2. Ransomware:

Ransomware is a virus that hacks your system and blocks your access to it. Your system can get hacked with your unconsciousness. Ransomware spreads across the network through various means. These include social media, malware advertising, portable devices, etc.

The hacker will send you an alert that someone has hacked your system or phone and asks you for money recovering access. This threat can be of any risk from minimal to high and cost you pennies and dollars.

3. Password Guessing:

It is also another most simple type of threat that can cause data breaches and damage your security. This happens when you set up a very common password that anyone can guess like your birth year, birth date, or your name with some numbers.

Hackers think differently and can crack these kinds of passwords easily. To protect your data, avoid using easy passwords, use some pattern combinations in it and secure data from hacker attacks.

4. Recording Keystrokes:

Nowadays there are some software and web applications available that can record your keystrokes on the keyboard, this software is called keyloggers.

When you enter your credentials for logging into your account, it will record your keys, hence they note your password and can access your data. Except password-sensitive information can also be leaked. They can then use these things for an illegal purpose or for blackmailing, as have access to your sensitive information now.

5. Phishing

Phishing is another technique for data breaching. Third-party hackers develop a clone website that exactly mirrors the original sites. When you click on a phishing link from a hacker’s site or mail, you become the victim.

These sites will trick you and ask you to log in. You will unintentionally give your credentials to someone. This method is common for tricking students or employees, asking them to confirm their accounts. Once they confirm following the steps, the hacker hacks their data and system. Thus to be safe from such scams, you need to know about the common indicators of phishing attempt.

6. Malware or Virus:

Whenever hackers want to wipe out the data from the systems of organization, he tries to inject malware or virus in their system. This can be troublesome for those companies who rely on the data.

Consider the computer virus had sent to a school’s database that wiped out the student’s information. This can cause a problem for the school administration. Organizations can prevent these threats by avoiding spam messages and insecure links. Thus database security is quite vital.

7. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS):

Luckily, small ventures are almost free from this threat. Distributed Denial of Service targets the larger companies. The reason for attacking the larger companies is the need for coordination for this attack. It is a kind of protest that the people can do against the company.

Suppose there is a cosmetic manufacturing company, and some people dislike the way the company is running. They can start a denial-of-service attack that will make it impossible for them to access their systems and databases.

8. Insider Threats

An insider threat occurs when someone on the inside compromises security. A disgruntled or bribed employee is a typical insider threat who is charged with stealing documents, inserting malicious hardware, smuggling out equipment containing confidential data, or granting physical access to an unauthorized person.

It is very important to maintain a healthy work environment because these insider threats get emotional, financial, or opportunistic motivation. A cooperative workplace will not 100% prevent this threat, but at least will add something for your favor.

Also, Read Authentication vs Authorization

9. SQL Injection:

Social engineering is a general concept that encompasses a wide variety of malicious practices that are distributed through human connections. This is not a direct threat, but it includes several moves.

Predators look at the victim’s account structure, gather information such as authentication protocols, vulnerable and high points, and then strike. Scam notifications and deals are social engineering vulnerabilities.

If someone you know asks for your password or other personal details, do not give it to them without confirming the credibility of the person. A hacker will reach you, breaking into the account of a family member or acquaintance.

Also, Read About Man in the Middle Attack

Impact of Data Breaches in Companies

Data breaches negatively affect companies. Let us have a glance over them:

• The organization commonly faces revenue loss after data breaching.
• Whenever data breaches occur in a company, it damages the brand’s reputation.
• Revenue and reputation loss can be compensated, but losing sensitive information, Intellectual property and blueprints cannot.
• Once you have faced any of the consequences, it costs recovery.
• Data breaches can add vulgar content to your website or change numbers that are unnoticeable but have an immense impact on businesses.

How Do Data Breaches Happen?

Data breaches happen when our credentials are stolen, or someone gets access to our data. Intruders can use any of the data breaches we have discussed in the above section. Hackers can misuse your data and can affect your reputation negatively.

What Should a Company Do After a Data Breach?

The company takes all measures to protect its data, but what if you suffer from data breaching? Then you should follow these steps in response to the data breaching:

1. Recognize the source and magnitude of the breach.
2. Notify the breach task team to act against it as soon as possible.
3. Try to implement a quick security fix for some time.
4. Alert all the customers and authorities affected.
5. Take some steps to control the damage and post-breach plan.

Checkout Types of Authentication Methods

Conclusion

Every business and organization is always at risk of data breaching. They must know the types of data breaches and threats of it and take precautionary steps to protect their data from these attacks. Thus cybersecurity is vital to prevent such data breaches.