The world is taken over by mass digitization and every possible business process is powered by artificial intelligence and loads of data. This gives an easy vent to malicious threat actors to infiltrate and destroy the hard-earned reputation and sensitive information of an organization. Over the years, cyber threats have been a common occurrence that has led to ugly consequences for affected organizations worldwide.
Statista expects that there will be 7 billion internet users by 2028. With this, comes an amplitude of information that is generated in the process that is prone to infiltration in the wake of security slack. This is where a data breach occurs. Let us understand the ways we can counter the menace of widespread data breaches and preserve the core business information and data.
Welcome to Cybersecurity Data Breach List 2024:
March 2024 (cyberwhy.com)-
- Fujitsu found malware on IT systems confirming data breach/
- Mintlify says customer GitHub tokens exposed in data breach/
- Russian state-backed hackers breached Microsoft’s core software systems/
- American Express card data exposed in third-party breach/
- Golden Corral Restaurant chain data breach impacts 183,000 people/
- Toronto Public Library cyber-attack finds user data may have been compromised/ …
The list is endless with the rising data source and ease of malicious threat actors’ access to this information. Data breaches have impacted countries and businesses worldwide; destroying their reputation, misusing their information, and harming them financially and in many other ways.
Understanding Data Breach:
Data breaches or data leaks can go beyond being just a terrorizing act. It can change the trajectory of your business or life. IBM puts it rightly as the data breach is a security incident that results in unauthorized access to confidential information. Unauthorized parties such as threat actors or cyber criminals gain access to sensitive data inclusive of social security numbers, bank account details, healthcare data, customer data records, intellectual property rights, and more. Broadly, data breaches can take place due to weak technology and slackened user behavior.
What causes a Data Breach?
Sometimes intentional or unintentional at other times, data breaches can take place just in a single moment of ignorance. It is essential to stay vigilant or keep your cyber guards on all the time. Let us explore some of the reasons behind a data breach attack.
- An accidental insider– It could be an employee using a co-worker’s computer and accessing files without having proper authorization or permissions.
- A malicious insider– They knowingly access or share data with the intent of causing harm to an individual or company.
- Lost or stolen devices– This is the easiest to get in as it is an unencrypted and unlocked laptop or external hard drive containing sensitive information.
- Malicious outside criminals– These are hackers who use attack vectors to gather information from a network or an individual.
3 Topical Methods Used to Breach Data:
- Phishing– Popular social engineering attacks designed to dupe the target to cause a data breach by deceiving you easily.
- Brute force attacks– These harsh cyberattacks involve hackers enlisting software tools to guess your passwords and break in.
- Malware– These involve security flaws in your device’s operating system, software, or connected servers. Spyware specifically targets your private data for the breach.
Forms of Data Breach:
700,095,520 known records breached so far in 658 publicly disclosed incidents (itgovernanceusa.com). Broadly there are 3 types of data breaches- Ransomware, Phishing, and Malware. These impact businesses and individuals big time.
Tackling Data Breach Like a Pro:
Tips for Companies:
- Retain the breach by isolating and limiting the damage by shutting down compromised systems, or networks.
- Patch and update software.
- Enforcing BYOD security policies such as business-grade VPN service and antivirus protection to be used by all devices.
- Enable high-grade encryption for sensitive data.
- Notify affected parties as transparency shall rebuild trust and maintain legal compliance.
- Preserve evidence for legal and investigative purposes.
- Educate employees on best security practices and ways to avoid socially engineered attacks.
- Conduct a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents.
- Implement security enhancement strategies to prevent similar breaches in the future.
Tips for Individuals:
- Keep a regular check on the financial accounts, credit reports, and online activities for suspicious or unauthorized transactions.
- Change passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever applicable.
- Stay vigilant about unsolicited communications, emails, or calls.
- Consider freezing your credit in the wake of a risky breach situation.
How can cybersecurity certifications come in handy in cyberattacks?
Looking at the grim situation of international cyberattacks taking place year-over-year; it is a great opportunity for you to become one of the many in-demand cybersecurity experts. The demand for certified cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high as they are expected to fill at least 3.5 million unfilled jobs by 2025 globally (Statista). TCS has also labeled Cybersecurity as the ‘only future-proofed career option’. This is a huge indication for you to master the core nuances of this industry with the best cybersecurity certification programs gracing your portfolio. You are set to earn a whopper salary with futuristic skillsets in your armor. Make an informed decision and begin guarding big businesses against such cyber menace like an expert and make a difference!
