What is a Data Breach and How to Prevent it?

What is a Data Breach?

Any security incident in which unauthorized persons gain access to private or sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, social security numbers, medical records, or company data, is defined as a data breach. People usually use "cyberattack" and "data breach" interchangeably. Even if not every cyberattack causes a data leak, the latter word is only used in the case of unauthorized access to published data. Let’s get started with this blog to understand what is data breaches and how to prevent them. 

Types of Data Breach

Phishing

Phishing attacks deceive users into exposing their data under genuine organization disguises. Mostly, these attacks are conducted through emails, messages, and bogus sites.

Ransomware

A type of malicious software that denies a payment victim access to their data, thereby demanding payment to restore access. It can freeze operations and cause both businesses and individuals to lose a lot of money.

Malware

Malicious software is annually created to corrupt, manipulate, or jeopardize systems and data. It can be used to extract information, damage files, or for other disruptive functions.

DDoS

DDoS is an attack that inhibits services for the target through the consumption of excessive traffic. It disrupts availability by crippling websites and online services.

Exploiting Vulnerabilities

Exploitation focused on the weakness of certain software or systems may lead to access or control without the target's authorization, in turn creating a way for data leaks or an intrusion into other systems.

Password Guessing

Password guessing is the way of guessing or trying one password after another, but methodologically; the target is to get unauthorized access to the accounts. Weak or commonly used passwords make this method pretty viable.

Why Do Data Breaches Happen?

Typically, innocent errors like an employee emailing private information to the incorrect recipient result in data breaches. Malicious insiders, such as resentful or fired staff members who wish to harm the business and avaricious staff members who wish to make money off of the company's information.

Hackers are malevolent outsiders who purposefully commit cybercrimes to steal data. Scammers may operate alone or as a coordinated group. Most criminal data breaches are motivated primarily by financial gain. Hackers take money directly out of people's and businesses' wallets by stealing credit card numbers, bank account details, and other financial data.

How Does a Data Breach Happen?

Whether caused by external or internal threat actors, the bulk of intentional data breaches follow the same general pattern:

Research: Following the identification of a target, the threat actor looks for weaknesses in the system that they can use to their advantage to access the target's data. These flaws may be human or technical, such as staff members who are easily tricked by social engineering or insufficient security measures.

Attack: The threat actor uses their preferred means to launch an attack on the target. The attacker may send a spear-phishing email, take advantage of system flaws directly, take control of an account using stolen login credentials, or employ other popular methods for data breaches.

Data Compromise: The attacker finds the desired data inside the system and proceeds with their mission. Typical strategies include data exfiltration for use or sale, data destruction, or data lockup with a ransom demand.

Prevention of Data Breach

Adopting and adhering to best practices that reinforce a data breach prevention strategy is critical for both organizations and employees. Among them are:

Use Strong Passwords: Poor passwords continue to be the most frequent reason for data breaches since they allow hackers to obtain user credentials and gain access to company networks. Additionally, since passwords are frequently recycled or reused across several accounts, attackers can use brute-force assaults to break into additional accounts.

Employ Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Users and businesses should never rely just on passwords because of their inherent fragility. Users of MFA are required to provide identity verification in addition to their password and username. Even in the case that a hacker manages to obtain the user's password, this can stop them from obtaining illegal entry to accounts and corporate systems.

Employ Secure URLs: Users must only open secure web addresses or Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). Usually, these will be URLs that start with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). It's crucial to visit only reputable websites.

Employee Education and Training: Businesses should inform employees of the risks they may face while being online, along with the types of cyber-attacks that are most common and how an attack might be detected. Periodic training and refreshers for employees are important to ensure that their focus on cybersecurity is not lessened and that they remain cognizant of current and emerging threats.

Make a Responding Strategy: In the face of the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and the exponential increase in cyberattacks, businesses should plan for the worst; they will need a response plan. They should have an explicit plan about what actions should be taken and who is responsible for notifying the proper authority about the attack.

Final Thoughts

Finally, safeguarding against data breaches is the surest way of protecting sensitive information and building trust. Maintenance of strong security practices, such as having strong and unique passwords, multifactor authentication, and software updates, will help considerably reduce the risk. Moreover, employee education regarding cyber threats and the availability of proper response policies create resilience. Remaining vigilant and proactive assures much greater protection from the dynamically evolving landscape of cyber threats and securing personal and corporate data against any possible breach. Ultimately, you can benefit by choosing Osiz’s cybersecurity solutions and prevent data breaches in your business and company organically.

Source: https://www.osiztechnologies.com/blog/what-is-a-data-breach