What is a Data Breach?
A Data Breach is when information is illegally accessed or stolen by cyber criminals. It can result from a deliberate attack, negligence by an employee or flaws and vulnerabilities in an organization’s security system.
Personal and financial data are often the most compromised types of records in a data breach. This includes bank account details, credit card numbers and personal health records as well as login information to email accounts and social media sites.
The most common way for hackers to gain access to a company’s data is through malware. Malware is software designed to infect a computer and steal information, including passwords and login credentials. It can also be used to cause damage and disrupt operations by removing or damaging files.
Other ways for a data breach to occur include a company losing portable drives, laptops or other devices containing sensitive information. These devices can be stolen, lost in transit or left unlocked and accessible to others. Hackers can also gain access to a business’s information through phishing emails and other cyber attacks.
Once a breach is identified, companies must act quickly to limit the harm and protect customers. This means identifying the source of the breach, notifying consumers and other businesses affected by the breach and taking steps to prevent future breaches.