Data breaches are among the most detrimental cybersecurity attacks. Such attacks can even make the business go bankrupt. It is because the business not only loses the confidential data, but their reputation, and the trust of the clients and customers. They might even get sued to pay back to the users and clients for the entailed damages. Therefore, keeping a close watch on data breach attempts and preventing them is crucial.
Data breaches usually happen due to poor security frameworks or the negligence of the authorities or employees. Learning about typical mistakes and avoiding them can offer possible relief from the hassle and help optimize security.
Scroll down into the details of this article to get your hands on typical mistakes that lead to data breaches and take active measures to prevent any unfortunate situation.
Top 5 Mistakes That Cause Data Breaches
Data breaches have become quite common even in this era of advanced cybersecurity measures. Authorities often overlook the basic security measures to protect their sensitive data which allows opportunities to cybercriminals to access and exploit confidential data. Implementing a few basic measures can help you reduce the risk of data breaches significantly.
Here are some of the major mistakes that might cause data breaches and therefore should be avoided.
1. Missing Data Encryption
Missing or skipping data encryption is the foremost mistake that leads to data breaches. Data encryption adds an extra layer of defense to data whether it is just there or in transit. It means that the hackers will be unable to misuse it even if they somehow succeed in accessing it. Encrypted data can only be used with the right decryption.
Trying to decrypt it without the right key can lock it forever and ensure no one without access permission can get their hands on it. So, encrypting data besides implementing other security measures is the ultimate way to protect your data and prevent potential data breach attempts.
2. Unsecured Devices
Unsecured devices are the next typical mistake that opens the gateway for data breaches. Mobile phones, work systems, drives, and other endpoint devices all need protection and security. The devices can get stolen or lost which can lead to data breaches in case the device is unsecured.
Besides this, cyber criminals do not now necessarily need to steal and access the device physically. They can even access it online, install malware, and steal data. Any success in that will risk your sensitive data. So, all your endpoint devices must have strong passwords with two-factor authentication, remote wipe capabilities, and other possible measures. It will ensure your devices and data are not exploited in any situation.
3. Software Not Updated
Outdated software is another typical yet costly mistake that can lead to data breaches. Software can develop bugs and flaws over time which can offer a vulnerability to the cybercriminals to launch the attack and access sensitive data. Due to this, the authorities often roll out software updates to patch vulnerabilities.
Skipping or ignoring the updates to continue with the older versions is one of the biggest mistakes that can invite data breaches. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for systems running on outdated software, so do not offer them this opportunity. Keep a close watch on the latest updates and install them as soon as they are available.
Feel free to reach out to cybersecurity professionals at Help AG to explore and implement other possible measures to boost security and prevent data breaches.
4. Lack of Access Controls
Lack of access control is another major mistake that can pave the way for data breaches. Organizations need to take charge of their confidential and sensitive data by implementing access control measures. Employees who need to handle specific tasks should be given access to the internal or confidential data and not everyone.
Allowing access to everyone will not only increase the risk of attack attempts but also lead to insider attacks and mishandling. Offering role-based access control is the best possible measure to prevent data breaches stemming from free access. You can also implement identity and access management or two-factor authentication to rule out the possibility of data breaches through access control.
5. Poor Employee Training
Poor employee training is the last yet most common mistake that might lead to data breaches. Employees of an organization handle sensitive data and information consistently. It is only natural for them to commit some mistakes and fall for the sophisticated attack attempts of cybercriminals.
However, the consequences of such mistakes are quite damaging and farfetched. Ensuring regular training of the workforce in terms of device handling, identifying attack attempts, and course of action can minimize mistakes. It will also significantly lower the success rate of potential attacks and prevent data breaches. So, do not ignore employee training and onboard cybersecurity professionals to handle this efficiently.
Conclusion?
You are at high risk of data breaches in case you are guilty of committing any of these mistakes. Do not wait until you are forced to face the circumstances. Take the necessary security measures or consult professional cybersecurity experts to optimize security and enjoy smooth and secure operations.
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