Data Breach & How to Avoid this Cyber Attack?

  author
Written By Sambita Panigrahy  
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh 
Published On August 3rd, 2023
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

This article will hardly take 5-6 mins to read, which will help you to keep your information safe and secure. This article will be more interesting and informative because our today’s topic is “Data breach”. If you are unaware of this term then, firstly let’s understand together what it is. 

What is Data Breach?

This is a cyber attack in which attackers intend to steal or access confidential, financial, sensitive and personal data without the owner’s knowledge.

Common data breach exposures include personal information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers and healthcare histories, as well as corporate information, such as customer lists and source codes. 

Also Read: If you need more information on data breach in India then read this article

What are the Types of Data Breaches? 

There are several types of data breaches through which cybercriminals can attack victims.

1. Password Guessing:  It is a type of data breach in which attackers stole the password. This occurs on the frequent basics. Some businesses leave computer passwords on Post-It notes, making them accessible to everyone. Which might lead to shady personnel accessing the data elsewhere.

Moreover, using the easy password can be easily compromised by the attackers. A brute-force assault of this kind is a widely popular technique used by hackers. However, people frequently choose passwords like their street name, the name of their pet, or their birthday, which can make it simple to hack into their accounts.

It should go without saying that if someone knows your password, they can access your files and locate any private information they’re looking for about your business.  

2. Ransomware: In a ransomware attack, all of the data on your computer or phone may suddenly get encrypted and you won’t be able to access it. Moreover, in this attack cybercriminals will ask for the money in bitcoins in return of the data.

The issue with this is that you’re dealing with a known criminal, and paying the ransom won’t ensure that you’ll get your data back or that they won’t disclose it later. 

3. SQL Injection: It is another way of targeting victims. In which hackers insert malicious code into a website’s search bar, the database is prompted to reveal sensitive information like credit card numbers or users’ personal information. 

Also Read: You can also read this article on the recent news of the dominos India data breach 

How You Can Keep Your Data Secure from Data Breach Attack? 

If you need to secure your data, then follow all the best practices that are given below: 

1. Employees Training: Organizations must give training to their employees on the danger they may encounter online. As well as educate them about the most prevalent forms of cyberattacks. And how to recognize a possible threat. To make sure that staff are continually thinking about cybersecurity and are aware of the most recent risks. They should also offer frequent training courses and refresher sessions. 

2. Employ Multi-Factor authentication: Users and organizations should never rely only on passwords due to their inherent fragility. MFA requires users to submit their login and password in addition to proving their identity. This enhances the possibility that they are who they claim to be, which can stop a hacker from accessing accounts and company systems without authorization even if they succeed in stealing the user’s password.

3. Least privilege management: Practices that closely match access privileges with roles and responsibilities to ensure that no one has access beyond what is required for them to perform their duties. This lessens attack surfaces and controls the propagation of some kinds of virus.

 4. Endpoint threat detection and response: These solutions automatically detect and stop unwanted activities. Moreover, it helps to prevent data breach activities like as malware, phishing scams, ransomware, and other attacks.

5. Use Strong Passwords: Cybercriminals always try to target weak passwords so that they easily get the access of your account. Additionally, as many times users use the same passwords throughout all accounts, attackers can employ brute force to break into other accounts. 

Use secure passwords, as a result, to make it more difficult for hackers to gain login information. Think about utilizing a password manager as well. So always try to keep your password long and strong with 12-15 characters.  

6. Keep Software Up-to-date: To prevent potential vulnerability exploits, always remember to use the latest or updated version of all software. Always update and patch software, and make sure to turn on the automatic software updates.

7. Create a Response Plan: Businesses need to have a response strategy in place in case the worst happens, as cybercriminals are growing more sophisticated and cyberattacks are becoming more frequent. They must have a clear strategy in place for the actions that need to be taken. As well as know who is in charge of informing the proper authorities about the assault. Additionally, do an investigation, updating passwords, making them stronger, and keeping an eye out for suspicious behavior are all necessary parts of this process.

Wrapping Up 

Data breach is one of the dangerous cyberattacks but we have the best practices to fight with it. Only you have to implement those safety tips on a regular basis so that you can reduce your data risk.

Also Read: Learn about Air India data breach