Data breaches today have become increasingly common, with cyber-attacks of varying scales and complexity taking place in businesses everywhere. It is known that many business owners have considered getting the best identity theft protection. Many have said that these identity theft services are great to use. They now feel more confident that their customer data is safe and secure, with the proper identity theft protection in place. Below are the leading causes of a data breach.
Stolen Credentials
One of the leading causes of a data breach is stolen credentials, which are often obtained through phishing attacks and credential stuffing. In a phishing attack, an attacker will use malicious links or emails to trick users into revealing their login information, such as usernames and passwords. Credential stuffing involves using lists of stolen credentials to test if any are valid for the victim’s account. This is one of the most common methods used by attackers as it is relatively easy to do and requires little technical knowledge. Many organizations have implemented two-factor authentication and other security measures to help protect user accounts from stolen credentials. If you are concerned about protecting your user accounts, consider implementing it.
Software Vulnerabilities
Another cause of data breach lies in software vulnerabilities. Many organizations use out-of-date software which can be exploited by cybercriminals due to their lack of security measures. Hackers are able to exploit these weaknesses to gain access to a company’s confidential information. To help prevent this, organizations should keep their software up-to-date and patch any vulnerabilities as soon as they are discovered. If necessary, they should also consider investing in additional software security solutions such as antivirus protection. Depending on your industry and the nature of your business, more specialized security solutions may also be necessary.
Malicious Insiders
The last leading cause of data breach are malicious insiders. This includes employees with access to confidential information who use their privileges to gain unauthorized access or leak sensitive data. Companies must be vigilant in monitoring employee activity and ensure that all staff members adhere to the company’s security policies. Many businesses have implemented systems that track and monitor employee access to sensitive data. It is also important to address any potential malicious intent by carrying out thorough background checks on employees before they are given access to confidential information. This is what many big companies do to ensure the safety of their customer data. Which is why you should also consider doing the same thing.
Many people assume that data breaches can only be caused by external threats but this isn’t always the case. The causes mentioned above are all equally dangerous and should never be underestimated. To protect your business from a data breach, it is important to have adequate security measures in place that address all of the potential risks associated with these causes. By understanding the leading causes of data breach and taking the necessary steps to protect your business, you can help reduce the chances of a devastating data breach. We hope that you have found this blog post helpful.