What is a Data Breach?
A data breach is a security violation that exposes confidential information. It is also called information leakage or data spill.
Security breaches can occur due to a variety of reasons. Some are accidental, while others are the result of criminal activity. Regardless of the reason, the impact on the company is the same.
Often, the attackers use social engineering techniques to gain access to the organization’s networks. They try to convince employees to provide them with login credentials.
Usually, the attackers are looking to gain access to sensitive data. This can include financial information, medical records, and other personal details. If the organization does not secure its networks, the attackers can steal or resell this data for black market purposes.
The attackers often use weak passwords to break into the systems. In addition, they may also use compromised user accounts to access other user accounts, or to access other systems.
The attackers then install malicious software on their computer systems. This is done through infected websites, links, emails, and more.
The biggest threat posed by a data breach is identity theft. The criminals may contact the organization to demand a ransom.
Data breaches can be catastrophic for the organization’s bottom line. The impact on the business can include reputation damage, direct productivity losses, and fines.
To protect against data breaches, organizations should perform regular security audits and implement good data security practices. Employees should also be aware of the risks associated with these breaches.