The Critical Difference Between a Data Leak and a Data Breach

Protecting your business’s sensitive data is crucial in today’s digital world. But even with precautions, data leaks and breaches can happen. While these terms are often used interchangeably, understanding their distinct meanings is key to effective prevention. Let’s dive into what sets them apart and the top 10 causes of each.

What is a Data Leak?

A data leak occurs when sensitive information is exposed unintentionally, often due to internal oversights or mishaps. Think of it like a leaky faucet – confidential data like business strategies, customer records, or financial information seeps out unexpectedly. Common scenarios include:

• Human error: An employee mistakenly emails the wrong person or loses a device.
• Third-party vendors: Lax security practices by a partner you work with can leave your data vulnerable.
• Insider leaks: A disgruntled worker intentionally shares information.

What is a Data Breach?

A data breach is a targeted cyberattack where hackers actively break into your systems. It’s more akin to a forceful intrusion where attackers might use techniques like phishing, malware, or brute force to steal data.

10 Leading Causes of Data Leaks

1. Human error: Employees can sometimes make errors, such as accidentally sending an email to the wrong person or misplacing a portable storage device containing sensitive data.
2. Lost or stolen devices: Laptops, smartphones, and other devices can be lost or stolen, potentially resulting in the loss of sensitive data if the device is not password-protected.
3. Third-party vendors: Third-party vendors may have access to your data, and if their security measures are inadequate, this can lead to a data leak.
4. Inadequate access controls: Poorly managed or weak access control policies can allow unauthorized access to sensitive data.
5. Misconfigured systems: Misconfigured servers or systems can allow unencrypted data to be publicly accessible.
6. Social engineering: People can be tricked into revealing sensitive information through various social engineering attacks.
7. Intentional data leaks: Employees or contractors may deliberate leak data for personal or financial gain, revenge, or activism.
8. Inadequate security policies: Bad security policies or poor enforcement can lead to a data leak.
9. Unencrypted data: Data that is not properly encrypted is more vulnerable to attacks, including data leaks.
10. Poor education: Employees may not be adequately trained on how to handle sensitive information, which can increase the risk of a data leak.
    
    

10 Leading Causes of Data Breaches

1. Phishing: Phishing attacks typically use email, SMS, or social media to trick employees into revealing their login credentials, enabling attackers to access the company’s network.
2. Weak passwords: Weak or default passwords, which are not changed regularly, can be easily guessed or found by cybercriminals.
3. Malware: Malware can be used to gain unauthorized access to an organization’s network, and is often introduced via phishing emails, drive-by-downloads, or Trojan horse attacks.
4. Third-party vulnerabilities: Third-party applications integrated into your systems may be vulnerable, and attackers may use these systems to pivot into your network.
5. Insider threats: Employees, contractors, or vendors may intentionally or unintentionally cause a data breach, whether for personal or political gain.
6. Ransomware: Ransomware is used to encrypt an organization’s data, preventing access until a ransom is paid.
7. Unpatched systems: Unpatched systems or applications may contain known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals.
8. Credential stuffing: Attackers may use credential stuffing attacks to exploit passwords that have been previously breached on other platforms.
9. Supply chain vulnerabilities: Attackers may focus on third-party vendors or suppliers as a way to gain access to an organization’s network.
10. Advanced persistent threats: Advanced persistent threats are often highly targeted attacks that leverage multiple vulnerabilities and attack vectors, requiring sophisticated threat detection and response capabilities.

Prevention is Paramount

Data leaks and breaches are serious threats, causing financial losses and irreparable damage to your company’s reputation. Take proactive steps to safeguard your valuable information:

• Robust security protocols: Firewall, antivirus, multi-factor authentication.
• Strict password policies: Enforce complexity and regular changes.
• Employee training: Make data security awareness a priority.
• Regular vulnerability testing: Identify weaknesses before attackers do.

Need Expert Help?

If you’re concerned about your business’s cybersecurity posture, don’t hesitate to reach out! TOSS C3 specializes in safeguarding organizations like yours. Click here to schedule a quick 10-minute call or contact us at 1-888-966-9514.

Let us help you build a stronger defense against data leaks and breaches.

TOSS C3 is the trusted Cyber Technology Services provider in Massachusetts specialized in serving law firms, libraries, local governments, and healthcare providers throughout the USA.