What is a Security Breach?

A security breach entails any occurrence leading to unauthorized entry into computer data, applications, networks, or devices, allowing access without proper authorization. Typically, this occurs when an intruder successfully circumvents security measures.

Technically, a security breach differs from a data breach. A security breach is akin to a break-in, while a data breach involves the cybercriminal absconding with information. Picture a burglar: the security breach is akin to the moment they enter through the window, while the data breach occurs when they seize your belongings and make off with them.

The value of confidential information is immense, often being traded on the dark web. For instance, names and credit card numbers can be purchased and subsequently exploited for identity theft or fraud. Consequently, it’s unsurprising that security breaches can incur significant financial losses for companies, with major corporations facing an average bill of nearly $4 million.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to differentiate between the definition of a security breach and that of a security incident. While incidents like malware infections, DDOS attacks, or an employee misplacing a laptop in a taxi can occur, they wouldn’t be classified as security breaches unless they result in network access or data loss.

Types of security breaches

Various types of security breaches exist, with some common examples being:

• Malware, viruses, ransomware: These are forms of malicious software designed to infiltrate a system, granting unauthorized access to a network. Ransomware, specifically, encrypts data and demands payment for decryption.
• Social engineering: This tactic involves malicious actors employing psychological manipulation to deceive users into revealing personal information or login credentials. Phishing, a prevalent form of social engineering, sees attackers posing as trustworthy entities to gain victims’ trust, often through emails, compromised websites, or other online communication methods. Targeted phishing directed at specific individuals is known as spearphishing.
• Insider attacks: This occurs when someone within an organization either steals sensitive data or negligently exposes the network to vulnerabilities. Sometimes, a malicious insider may possess authorized access to sensitive information but misuses these privileges, resulting in severe consequences akin to a conventional data breach, or even worse.
• Hacking: This encompasses a broad range of unauthorized methods used by parties to access secure networks. Hacking techniques vary from manual approaches like password guessing to more sophisticated, automated tools.
• DDoS attacks: Denial-of-service attacks involve hackers flooding a website with excessive traffic, causing it to crash. This tactic aims to overwhelm an organization’s security defenses, thereby granting the hacker access to the network.

Examples of a security breach

When a significant organization experiences a security breach, it invariably garners media attention. Notable instances of security breaches include:

• Equifax: In 2017, a vulnerability in a website application led to the compromise of personal information belonging to 145 million Americans, including names, Social Security numbers, and driver’s license numbers. The breach occurred over three months from May to July but wasn’t disclosed until September.
• Yahoo: In 2013, hackers accessed 3 billion user accounts through a phishing attempt, compromising the network.
• eBay: In 2014, a major breach occurred wherein many customers’ passwords were compromised, prompting the company to swiftly notify users to change their passwords for security.
• Ashley Madison: Marketed to married individuals seeking extramarital affairs, the dating site was hacked in 2015, leading to the leakage of a vast amount of customer details. Extortionists targeted exposed customers, with unconfirmed reports linking some suicides to the breach.
• Facebook: Internal software flaws in 2018 resulted in the loss of personal data from 29 million users, including the account of CEO Mark Zuckerberg, making it a particularly embarrassing incident.
• Marriott Hotels: A security and data breach affecting up to 500 million customer records was announced in 2018, stemming from a hack into the guest reservations system two years prior in 2016.
• Avast: In 2019, Czech cybersecurity firm Avast disclosed a breach when a hacker compromised an employee’s VPN credentials, aiming to insert malware into Avast’s products. While customer details weren’t at risk, the breach highlighted vulnerabilities even within cybersecurity firms.

A decade ago, many companies attempted to conceal security breaches to avoid damaging consumer confidence. However, such practices are increasingly rare. In the EU, the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) mandate companies to report breaches to relevant authorities and individuals whose personal data might be compromised. By January 2020, within just 18 months of GDPR enforcement, over 160,000 separate data breach notifications had been issued, averaging over 250 per day.

How to protect yourself against a security breach

While no one is impervious to a data breach, adopting good computer security practices can reduce vulnerability and minimize disruption in the event of a breach. The following tips are designed to help prevent hackers from compromising your personal security on computers and other devices:

• Utilize strong passwords: Create passwords consisting of random combinations of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols, as they are more resilient to cracking than simple passwords. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like family names or birthdays, and consider using a Password Manager to securely store your passwords.
• Employ unique passwords for each account: Using different passwords for different accounts reduces the risk associated with a hacker gaining access to one account and subsequently compromising others.
• Close inactive accounts: Rather than leaving dormant accounts untouched, close them to minimize vulnerability to security breaches. Dormant accounts could potentially serve as back doors to your other accounts if compromised.
• Regularly change passwords: Many publicly reported breaches have occurred over extended periods, with some going unreported for years. Regularly changing passwords helps mitigate risks associated with undisclosed data breaches.
• Properly dispose of old hard drives: When discarding a computer, ensure the old hard drive is wiped clean using a data destruction program to overwrite all data. Additionally, performing a fresh installation of the operating system effectively wipes the drive.
• Backup your files: Maintain separate backups of your files on removable drives to safeguard against data encryption and ransomware demands resulting from breaches.
• Secure your phone: Implement a screen lock and regularly update your phone’s software. Avoid rooting or jailbreaking your phone, as it can provide opportunities for hackers to install malicious software or alter settings.
• Utilize antivirus and anti-malware software: Employ reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to prevent infections and thwart hacker attempts to infiltrate your system.
• Exercise caution with email attachments and links: Beware of unsolicited emails containing attachments or links, as they may be phishing attempts. Verify the authenticity of attachments before opening them and use antivirus software to scan attachments.
• Ensure secure browsing: When accessing accounts, use the secure HTTPS protocol rather than HTTP to safeguard against interception of sensitive information.
• Monitor bank statements and credit reports: Regularly review bank statements and credit reports to detect any suspicious activity resulting from stolen data, which may surface on the dark web long after the initial breach.
• Limit sharing personal information: Be cautious about sharing personal information online, providing only necessary details. Question why certain websites require specific information, such as exact birthdates or social security numbers.

Just as you wouldn’t leave your house door open all day, maintain tight security measures for your computer and personal data to prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities. Keep network access and personal data secured, and avoid leaving any avenues open for hackers to exploit.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between a security breach and a data breach?

A security breach involves unauthorized entry into computer systems or networks, bypassing security measures. It’s like a break-in where the intruder gains access. On the other hand, a data breach occurs when cybercriminals steal or abscond with sensitive information, akin to a burglar stealing belongings after gaining access.

Why are security breaches significant?

Security breaches expose confidential information, which can be sold on the dark web for malicious purposes like identity theft or fraud. Moreover, they lead to substantial financial losses for companies, with major corporations facing average bills of nearly $4 million.

Can you provide examples of security breaches?

Certainly. Notable instances include the Equifax breach in 2017, Yahoo’s breach in 2013, eBay’s breach in 2014, and the Ashley Madison breach in 2015, among others. Each of these incidents compromised significant amounts of personal data.

How can individuals protect themselves against security breaches?

Implementing good computer security practices is key. This includes using strong, unique passwords for each account, regularly changing passwords, closing inactive accounts, and properly disposing of old hard drives. Additionally, maintaining backups of files, securing phones, utilizing antivirus software, and exercising caution with emails and links are essential precautions.

Why is it important to differentiate between a security breach and a security incident?

Distinguishing between the two helps in accurately assessing risks and responses. While various incidents like malware infections or lost devices may occur, they aren’t considered breaches unless they result in unauthorized access or data loss.

What role does GDPR play in data breach reporting?

GDPR mandates companies to report breaches to relevant authorities and individuals affected by the breach. This regulation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in handling data breaches, ensuring timely notification to mitigate risks.

How can individuals monitor for potential data breaches?

Monitoring bank statements and credit reports regularly can help detect any suspicious activity resulting from stolen data. This proactive approach enables individuals to identify signs of unauthorized access or fraudulent transactions promptly.

What steps can individuals take to secure their personal information online?

Limiting the sharing of personal information to necessary details is crucial. Questioning the need for specific information on websites and maintaining tight security measures for computer systems and personal data are essential practices, akin to securing one’s physical home against intruders.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, security breaches pose significant risks to individuals and organizations, impacting finances, reputation, and trust. However, by adopting robust cybersecurity practices such as strong passwords, vigilant monitoring, and adherence to regulations like GDPR, individuals can mitigate these risks. Proactive measures are essential for fortifying defenses and preserving trust in an increasingly interconnected world.