What Are the 4 Common Causes of Data Breaches?

Most Common Causes of Data Breaches

1. Stolen or Weak Credentials

Stolen or weak credentials are the most common causes of data breaches. If malicious criminals can get hold of a set of a username and passwords you are essentially giving them the keys to your network. Unfortunately for you, and fortunately for hackers, most people reuse passwords that only give unauthorized users further access to corporate networks.

When credentials such as passwords are weak, cybercriminals can use brute force attacks to gain entry to corporate resources or databases that contain PII or financial information.

2. Application Vulnerabilities and Backdoors

When a security vulnerability is left unattended, hackers don’t even have to go through the bother of stealing credentials to gain access to a network. Because of its ease, this method is a popular data breach method, favored by hackers. To avoid this situation, you should ensure all your software and hardware solutions are up to date and fully patched up with no weak points for criminals to get into.

3. Malware

Malware is malicious software that is deployed unintentionally. Once installed, hackers exploit the system in various ways. 

Take note when downloading from the web that the site is a reputable one. In addition, any emails should be scanned before downloading or opening attachments. These are both widespread methods for introducing malware to your system.

4. Inside Errors

a. Human Errors

can happen in any organization. Employee training is regarded as the most effective way to combat employee negligence and raise security awareness in your company. In addition, appointing qualified people with securing your data and implementing a robust information security strategy can go a long way in preventing mistakes.

b. Unauthorized Users,

A disgruntled employee or an unhappy vendor could alter or steal data if they have access to your network. This scenario can be avoided by implementing access control policies that set clear rules in terms of who can access what information and on which device.