Common Causes of Data Breaches: Understanding and Preventing Them

Data breaches can have severe consequences for businesses, from financial losses to loss of customer trust. Understanding the causes of these breaches is crucial for effective prevention. This article explores the top reasons why data breaches occur, including unpatched security vulnerabilities, human error, and the physical theft of data-carrying devices.

Unpatched Security Vulnerabilities

Security vulnerabilities are a timeless problem in the realm of information security. Over the years, cybersecurity experts have documented a vast array of exploits that hackers have used to breach companies around the world. These exploits are categorized into Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) for future reference. However, despite the existence of these records, many security vulnerabilities are left unpatched for extended periods.

According to Verizon’s 2015 Data Breach Investigations Report, 99.9% of the exploited vulnerabilities had been compromised more than a year after the associated CVE was published. Such a situation leaves businesses vulnerable to persistent security threats. It is essential to ensure that all security vulnerabilities are regularly checked and patched to prevent unauthorized access.

Human Error: A Significant Cause

While security vulnerabilities are a serious issue, human error is often the primary reason behind data breaches. In fact, 52% of security breaches can be traced back to human error, which is a significant portion of the problem.

Human error can take various forms:

The use of weak passwords: Weak passwords are easy to guess and can be cracked using brute force attacks or password cracking tools.

Sending sensitive information to the wrong recipients: Because of human error, critical data may end up in the wrong hands, leading to unauthorized access.

Sharing password/account information: Sharing sensitive information can lead to unauthorized access, especially if the information is shared with individuals who are not authorized to have it.

Falling for phishing scams: Phishing attacks often trick users into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links, leading to data breaches.

Physical Theft of Data-Carrying Devices

Physical theft of data-carrying devices is another significant threat to data security. This can happen with a variety of devices, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, hard drives, thumb drives, CDs, DVDs, or even servers. The severity of a data breach from a stolen device depends on the type and sensitivity of the data stored on the device.

While most of these thefts are opportunistic, they can still be detrimental. The best preventive measure is to reduce opportunities for removing data-storing devices from the worksite. Implementing strong policies and procedures to secure these devices can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches caused by physical theft.

Conclusion

Preventing data breaches requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both technical and human factors. Regularly updating and patching security vulnerabilities, implementing robust security policies, and educating employees about the risks of human error are essential steps. By understanding the common causes of data breaches, businesses can take proactive measures to protect their sensitive information and maintain customer trust.