What is a Data Leak?
In this digital age, data is a valuable commodity, and businesses have invested significant amounts of time and resources to collect and store vast amounts of consumer data. However, it is not uncommon for data to leak, often with disastrous consequences for businesses and consumers alike. So, what is a data leak, and how do they occur?
Data leaks can happen in several ways, and they differ from a data breach. A data breach is a security incident that involves unauthorized access to the data, whereas data leaks occur when data is inadvertently or intentionally disclosed to unauthorized individuals or entities. Data leaks can occur through various means, including hacked databases, human error, malicious insiders, misconfigured servers, phishing attacks, and unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Hacked databases and malicious insiders:
One of the most common ways for data to leak is through hacked databases and malicious insiders. A hacked database is a database that has been compromised by unauthorized individuals who steal or tamper with the data stored within it. When hackers gain access to databases containing sensitive information, such as names, addresses, credit card details, or social security numbers, they can sell or use that information for nefarious purposes. One excellent example of a data leak through a hacked database is the infamous 2017 Equifax breach, which exposed consumers’ names, addresses, birth dates, and social security numbers.
In contrast, malicious insiders refer to employees or contractors who intentionally steal, leak, or sell data from within an organization. A recent high-profile example of a data leak through a malicious insider was the massive Capital One breach in 2019, where a disgruntled employee stole data belonging to over 100 million customers.
Human error:
Another common way data can leak is through human error. Mistakes made by employees handling data can lead to significant leaks, with accidental emails, misplaced documents, or weak passwords among the most common causes of such leaks. In some cases, human error can have downright disastrous consequences, such as when a National Health Service worker accidentally emailed a file containing the personal data of 780,000 patients without encrypting the data.
Misconfigured servers:
Misconfigured servers are another common cause of data leaks. A misconfigured server refers to a server where the security settings have been incorrectly set, leaving the server open to attack. Misconfigured servers can be targeted by hackers to steal data, and in the worst-case scenario, the data can be wiped from the server. One notorious example of data leak through misconfigured servers was the 2017 leak of the personal data of over 198 million registered U.S. voters.
Phishing attacks:
Phishing is another common cause of data breaches. Phishing is a deceptive technique that involves tricking users into downloading malware or providing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card information. A successful phishing attack can lead to data leaks, as scammers can use the data obtained from phishing to access user accounts and steal sensitive information.
Unsecured Wi-Fi networks:
One final way data can leak is through unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks refer to open wireless networks that do not require users to enter a password or encrypt their connections. Cybercriminals can easily intercept the data transmitted on unsecured Wi-Fi networks, leading to the potential loss of sensitive information and data leaks.
In conclusion, data leaks can occur in various ways, and the consequences can be devastating for both businesses and consumers. While data breaches attract most of the headlines, it is crucial to note that data leaks are just as dangerous and can have similar consequences. It is essential for organizations to invest in robust data security measures and train employees to identify and mitigate potential data leaks. Consumers, on the other hand, should remain vigilant by using strong passwords and avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi networks. While 100% prevention may be impossible, staying informed can go a long way in preventing data leaks.
