Security breach vs data leak

One of the most valuable assets for cybercriminals is a company’s private data and information. To ensure smooth operations, protecting this information must be one of a company’s top priorities.

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Cybercriminals employ various methods to access systems and steal data, such as phishing, ransomware, adware attacks, and more. However, these attacks typically stem from a security breach.

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A security breach is an incident or flaw in a system that enables unauthorized access to data, applications, networks, or devices. In other words, it allows access to information without prior authorization.

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One of the most common cyberattacks caused by a security breach is a data leak, which can affect individuals and organizations alike. These leaks expose personal, financial, or other sensitive information, leading to economic and reputational consequences.

Differences between a security beach and a data leak

While it may seem that a data leak is always caused by a security breach, there are subtle differences that distinguish the two.

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A security breach typically results from a flaw in the software or hardware being attacked. One major cause of security breaches is failing to update software, as updates often include fixes for known security vulnerabilities.

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In contrast, while most data leaks are caused by a security breach, they can also occur due to human error. For example, in phishing attacks, cybercriminals gain access to a company’s information without exploiting a system breach. Instead, they send an email to a user, prompting them to click a malicious link or download a file, which executes malware and grants access to sensitive information.

Causes of data leak

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• Lost or stolen credentials: As previously mentioned, phishing is one of the most effective ways for cybercriminals to obtain valuable information. Additionally, brute-force attacks, which systematically test password combinations, are another common method.

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• Lost or stolen devices: Losing a computer or smartphone containing confidential information can have serious consequences if it falls into the wrong hands.

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• Social engineering attacks: Social engineering is a manipulation technique designed to deceive users into performing specific actions that expose their data.

How can we prevent a data leak?

Preventive measures for both data leaks and security breaches are quite similar:

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• Classify data based on its importance and establish access levels. Implement access controls aligned with predefined user roles.
  
  
• Develop protocols for responding to data leaks. Establish clear strategies to guide actions in the event of an incident.
  
  
• Educate employees and promote secure habits. Regular training is crucial to prevent cyberattacks.
  
  
• Use specialized cybersecurity tools like WWatcher. This tool limits the volume of internal files a user can download daily, based on their role and responsibilities within the company.

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Both security breaches and data leaks are significant threats to any business, as they compromise the integrity and confidentiality of information. Continuous employee training and the implementation of advanced cybersecurity tools are essential to reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening a company’s defenses against potential cyberattacks.