If you’re reading this, then there’s a good chance that you already know what a security breach is, but in case you don’t, here’s the short and sweet of it. A security breach occurs whenever anyone gains unauthorized access to any personal or financial information about you. Typically, this will mean that someone has gained access to your social security number, credit card number, driver’s license, passport number, or any other information that can be used to steal your identity or take out credit in your name without your permission.
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Definition of a security breach
Most people have heard of the term security breach but don’t know what it means. A security breach is an event where data is stolen or corrupted by a third party. The most common form of a security breach is cybercrime. A cyber-criminal could hack into your computer or smartphone, steal your passwords and usernames, then use this information to log in to your accounts and take money or personal information. Other forms of cyber-crime include using ransomware to encrypt files on your computer until you pay for them to be unlocked, fake antivirus programs that claim there are viruses on your computer that are not there or phishing emails from untrusted senders that try to get you to click on malicious links or attachments. There are so many ways for hackers and scammers to access your information without even having physical access.
The types of security breaches
There are three primary types of security breaches, each with its own set of consequences. A data breach is an unauthorized disclosure or access to personal data. A system breach is an unauthorized access or exploitation of a computer system that may result in sensitive information being accessed. And finally, a physical security breach occurs when an intruder gains physical access to a facility where sensitive information is stored.
The consequences of all these types of security breaches can be costly and even fatal for some companies. For example, in 2017 Uber paid $100 million as a settlement for their 2016 data breach. An investigation found that hackers stole the names and driver’s license numbers of more than 50 million Uber customers as well as over 7 million drivers’ license numbers around October 2016. A system breach like this not only costs the company money but could also result in employees not trusting the company anymore and it could cause customers to lose trust too.
The consequences of a security breach
A security breach can lead to dire consequences for your company. Your data, your customers’ information, your employee’s personal information, financial records, or intellectual property could all be at risk. The time and money spent repairing the damage caused by a security breach could easily cost more than the amount of effort it took to prevent it in the first place. A data breach may even lead to costly lawsuits. Once you understand the potential damages, you’ll want to take steps immediately to protect yourself from cybercriminals.
The best way to protect yourself is with a comprehensive cybersecurity plan that includes everything from firewalls and anti-virus software to employee training on how not to give out sensitive information over email or on social media without due diligence about the sender’s identity.
Data loss
The term data breach refers to any instance in which sensitive information is accessed by an unauthorized party. The data that is typically compromised includes personal information, such as credit card details, social security numbers, account passwords, and more. Data breaches are an unfortunate reality of the digital age. Hackers often target companies with a high volume of customers who are likely to be carrying large amounts of financial data on their accounts.
unknown transactions
A security breach is when someone gains unauthorized access to your company’s data. Here are a few examples of what can happen in the event of a security breach:
- Fraudulent transactions that steal money from your company’s bank account or credit card account.
- Sensitive information, such as passwords, is being stolen by hackers and criminals.
- A hacker accessing private information, such as employees’ social security numbers.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is a form of fraud in which someone steals your data, such as your name, address, Social Security number (SSN), driver’s license number, or financial information. Thieves then use that information to commit crimes in your name-such as opening new credit card accounts, renting apartments, writing bad checks, or taking out loans. Identity theft is often made possible because of the availability of personal data to potential thieves.
How to prevent a security breach
There are many ways that a security breach can happen, but here are a few of the most common ways to help prevent them.
Change passwords regularly -Keep your operating system up to date -Use different passwords for different accounts -Install antivirus software on all devices -Only download software from trusted sources -Back up your data regularly in case of an emergency
Cover webcams when not in use -Don’t post personal information online or over the phone to avoid being targeted by criminals-or place ID tags or tracking devices on electronics