In the last 12 months alone, around 718,000 UK businesses reported some form of cybersecurity breach or attack [1]. Take control by strengthening your digital defenses and enhancing your organisation's security measures before it's too late.
In this blog, we'll explore the 8 most common causes of data breaches in organisational networks and data security. Continue reading to discover the vulnerabilities that could put your sensitive information at risk and learn how to protect your business.
8 most common causes of a data breach
1. Weak or stolen credentials
Compromised passwords, often due to weak management, can lead to unauthorised access and security breaches. Implementing strong, unique passwords, regular updates, and multi-factor authentication is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and preventing cyberattacks.
2. Phishing attacks
Phishing attacks use deceptive emails or messages to trick users into revealing sensitive data, like personal account details or confidential credentials.
84% of breaches and attacks that happened to UK businesses in the last 12 months were phishing attacks [2]. These fraudulent tactics rely on social engineering to compromise security. Staying vigilant and cautious with suspicious communications is key to safeguarding personal information and protecting against cyber threats.
3. Social engineering
Cyber criminals often employ deceptive tactics, such as manipulation techniques, to coax individuals into divulging sensitive and confidential information. This can include the act of encouraging the sharing of strong passwords, which can lead to unauthorised access and potential security breaches.
It is critical to remain vigilant and cautious in order to protect your personal and confidential data from falling into the wrong hands.
4. Malware and ransomware
Malicious software, including ransomware, is a serious threat to systems ranging from mobile devices to complex data stores. It infiltrates with the intent to encrypt or steal sensitive data, causing significant harm and disrupting critical security measures.
As this threat continues to grow, it's essential for system administrators to take proactive steps to protect against its damaging effects.
5. Insider threats
Accidental or intentional data breaches, which can arise from the actions of employees or contractors, are a pressing concern in today's digital landscape. It is worth noting that these breaches are frequently accidental and non-malicious, resulting from a lack of awareness or inadequate training in handling sensitive information.
Addressing this issue through comprehensive awareness programmes and robust training initiatives can significantly mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and safeguard valuable data assets.
5. Insider threats
Accidental or intentional data breaches, which can arise from the actions of employees or contractors, are a pressing concern in today's digital landscape. It is worth noting that these breaches are frequently accidental and non-malicious, resulting from a lack of awareness or inadequate training in handling sensitive information.
Addressing this issue through comprehensive awareness programmes and robust training initiatives can significantly mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and safeguard valuable data assets.
6. Misconfigured or insecure databases
Improperly configured or unprotected databases can expose confidential information to unauthorized access. For example, granting excessive ‘Admin’ rights to all employees risks data privacy and integrity.
This practice can pose a significant risk to data privacy and integrity, potentially resulting in serious consequences such as data breaches and compromised systems.
Prioritising database security is crucial to ensure the confidentiality and protection of valuable information.
7. Third-party vulnerabilities
Vulnerabilities in external vendor systems can significantly risk an organisation’s infrastructure.
To mitigate these threats and protect valuable assets, companies must conduct thorough assessments and implement effective measures. By understanding and addressing these weaknesses, organisations can strengthen their overall security posture and ensure the protection of sensitive data and resources.
8. Physical theft or loss
Theft or loss of devices, like laptops, smartphones, and other mobile devices, which may contain sensitive data, poses a considerable risk.
It is crucial to proactively address these vulnerabilities and then implement robust security measures to safeguard against potential data breaches when this occurs.
Having a standard procedure to remotely shut down devices or ‘lock out’ unauthorised users when this occurs can ensure the protection of confidential information and maintain the trust of customers and stakeholders.
What is a cyber security data breach?
So, to give this all some context, a cybersecurity breach is any unauthorised access to, or manipulation of, sensitive data or operating systems. It can involve accessing sensitive personal data without permission, or the theft of financial information.
Breaches occur in multiple ways, as we’ve highlighted, all with the purpose of stealing data or confidential information for financial, political or commercial gain.
The consequences of a cybersecurity breach can be far-reaching and devastating; from damage to reputation and customer trust to significant losses in revenue. Recent high-profile breaches have resulted in significant financial implications for the organisations involved.
[1] & [2] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024
