Most of us remember the 2013 Yahoo data breach. It affected all three billion Yahoo user accounts, exposing personal information including names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, encrypted passwords, and security questions (with answers, some unencrypted). Yahoo later suggested that a "state-sponsored actor" might have been behind the attack, but no specific group was conclusively identified.
This breach stands as a stark reminder of how vulnerable even the largest corporations can be to cyberattacks. Data breaches are not just the stuff of headlines; they are an everyday threat that can affect any business, large or small. In this article, we take a closer look at the most common causes of data breaches and how Jericho Security can help bolster your defenses.
Data breaches: Frequency and impact
From financial institutions to healthcare providers, businesses across various sectors are falling victim to data breaches. In 2023 alone, data breaches have hit record numbers, with over 8 million records breached. The growing sophistication of cybercriminals means that businesses must be on alert at all times, as a single vulnerability can be exploited within minutes.
What is the leading cause of data breaches?
Weak or stolen credentials, primarily passwords, continue to be the leading cause of data breaches. Whether it's an employee using "password123" or reusing credentials across multiple platforms, this simple oversight creates huge vulnerabilities. Once a hacker gains access to an account using stolen credentials, they can move through a network undetected, gaining access to even more sensitive information.
Are data breaches common?
Yes, data breaches have become alarmingly common.
The increase in remote work, the integration of cloud services, and the reliance on digital platforms have all contributed to this rising trend. While some breaches make headlines, countless others go unnoticed by the public. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, there were over 1,800 publicly disclosed data breaches in the U.S. alone in 2022 — and that number is steadily increasing.
How many data breaches happen every day?
Data breaches occur daily, with multiple incidents occurring per day on average worldwide. In 2023, the U.S. alone experienced over 3,200 data breaches, affecting more than 353 million individuals. This averages to nearly 9 data breaches every day in the U.S., and many more globally
Some of these breaches are small-scale, affecting a limited number of records, while others involve millions of sensitive data points being compromised. The daily occurrence of breaches underscores the importance of implementing strong, multi-layered security measures.
What is the impact of a data breach?
The impact of a data breach can ripple through a business for years. The financial cost alone can be devastating, as businesses face fines, legal fees, and the expenses of upgrading their security measures. For small businesses, a single breach can result in bankruptcy. Beyond the immediate financial impact, businesses face long-term damage to their reputation. Once trust is broken, customers may leave, and it can be difficult to attract new clients. The negative press and loss of customer confidence can have lasting consequences.
In some cases, the fallout from a data breach can lead to an overhaul of entire business operations, regulatory scrutiny, and even the resignation of key leadership. Simply put, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The 4 most common causes of data breaches
Weak and stolen credentials, a.k.a. passwords
Weak and stolen credentials account for a staggering number of data breaches each year. Phishing attacks, where employees are tricked into revealing their passwords, remain a popular tactic. Brute force attacks that systematically guess weak passwords also continue to succeed due to poor password hygiene.
- How it happens: Employees often either reuse the same password across multiple platforms or choose passwords that are easy to guess. Phishing scams and credential-stealing malware allow attackers to quickly gain access to critical systems using these stolen credentials.
- Risk factors: Without multi-factor authentication (MFA), once a password is compromised, there's no second layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access. Furthermore, a lack of password management policies allows employees to create weak, insecure passwords without consequences.
- Prevention strategies: Implementing MFA adds a critical layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity in more than one way. Phishing training can also reduce the chance of a successful breach by educating users on how to recognize malicious emails.
Back doors (application vulnerabilities)
Another common cause of data breaches is application vulnerabilities. These are often referred to as "back doors" because they provide cybercriminals with hidden access points to exploit.
These weaknesses can be found in software, web applications, and even third-party systems that businesses rely on. Hackers exploit these gaps to bypass security measures and gain access to sensitive data. Once inside, they can install malware, manipulate data, or extract sensitive information without detection.
- How it happens: Poorly written code, unpatched software, and outdated systems all create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Due to their connection to sensitive databases, web applications are especially popular targets.
- Risk factors: Companies that rely on outdated software or fail to regularly apply patches and updates are at high risk. Using third-party applications without performing security assessments can also introduce vulnerabilities into the business environment.
- Prevention strategies: Regular vulnerability scans and patching are key to preventing these breaches. Businesses should also vet third-party vendors to ensure they follow security best practices. Implementing strong coding practices during software development can also reduce the risk of exploitable vulnerabilities.
Malware
Malware continues to be a major threat to businesses worldwide. Ransomware attacks, in particular, have surged in recent years, causing massive disruptions and forcing companies to pay large sums to regain access to their systems. Once inside, malware can silently steal data, monitor activities, or completely lock users out of their systems.
- How it happens: Malware is often delivered through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links. When an employee unknowingly clicks or downloads the file, the malware spreads throughout the network. Some malware is designed to remain hidden, quietly gathering data, while others, like ransomware, immediately take control of systems.
- Risk factors: Employees who aren’t trained to spot phishing scams are at higher risk of falling victim to malware attacks. Companies without strong antivirus solutions or up-to-date firewalls are also more vulnerable to these attacks.
- Prevention strategies: Businesses must implement strong antivirus and anti-malware software and ensure it is updated regularly. Training employees on how to identify phishing attempts and avoid suspicious websites or downloads is equally important. Network segmentation can also help contain malware outbreaks, preventing them from spreading to critical systems.
Social engineering
Social engineering attacks manipulate people into divulging confidential information. Unlike technical breaches, social engineering relies on deception and trust to succeed, making it one of the most dangerous methods.
How it happens: Cybercriminals use phishing emails, phone scams, and impersonation tactics to trick employees into giving them sensitive information. For example, attackers may send an email that appears to come from the company CEO, requesting login details or financial information. The employee, believing the request is legitimate, provides the information without question.
Risk factors: Lack of training in recognizing social engineering tactics increases the likelihood of a successful attack. Companies that do not enforce strict verification processes for sensitive information are also at risk.
Prevention strategies: Employees must be educated on social engineering tactics as part of regular security awareness training. Businesses should also implement verification procedures, such as requiring everyone to confirm sensitive requests through a secondary channel before acting on them. Regular phishing simulations can also help employees recognize and respond appropriately to these attacks.
Guard against common causes of data breaches
Protecting your business from data breaches demands constant vigilance, advanced digital defenses, and a well-trained workforce.
Jericho Security empowers companies with AI-driven security awareness programs that go beyond the basics. Our cutting-edge phishing simulations mimic real-world threats, helping employees recognize and stop attacks before they can cause damage.
Do you want to improve your organization's security? Schedule a free demo today and experience how Jericho Security can keep your business one step ahead.