In today’s digital world, data breaches are becoming more common. Businesses of all sizes are susceptible, and the consequences can be devastating. A data breach can be a very costly and dangerous problem. Not only can a data breach result in the loss of sensitive customer information, but it can also lead to a loss of customer trust, damage to your reputation, and costly fines. According to data, the average cost of a data breach is USD 4.35 million in 2022, which is an all-time high. It’s important to understand how this happens and learn how you can protect your business.
There are four main types of data breaches: external attacks, internal attacks, malicious insiders, and accidental insiders.
External Attacks
External attacks are carried out by hackers who gain unauthorized access to your systems through the internet. These attacks can be very sophisticated and difficult to detect. Make sure you have strong cyber security measures, such as a firewall, intrusion detection system, and antivirus software.
Internal Attacks
Internal attacks are carried out by employees or other insiders with legitimate access to your systems. These attacks can occur when an insider’s account is compromised or when an insider deliberately misuses their access privileges.
Malicious Insiders
A malicious insider is somebody who attacks with the intention of harming your business. This type of attack can be very difficult to detect and prevent because the insider already has legitimate access to your systems.
Accidental Insiders
An accidental insider is somebody who accidentally exposes sensitive information due to carelessness or lack of training. This type of attack is often the result of human error, such as sending an email to the wrong person or posting confidential information on a public website. To protect your business from an accidental insider attack, it is important to have comprehensive security policies and procedures in place and to provide employees with regular training on cybersecurity best practices.
Signs of Data Breach in a Business (What to Look For)
There are a few signs that your business may be at risk of a data breach:
1. You have weak cyber security measures in place.
2. You have experienced a recent increase in suspicious activity.
3. You have employees who are not properly trained on cybersecurity best practices.
4. You have experienced a data leak or other security incident.
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action to protect your business. As your first line of defence, you must stay compliant with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This involves making sure all the information you are keeping in your organization is safe. Here are the things you can do to protect your data against hackers or other criminal elements:
1. Implement strong cyber security measures. This includes a firewall, intrusion detection system, and antivirus software. Assess your existing measures and look for ways to improve them.
2. Train your employees on cybersecurity best practices. Data privacy and security start with your people. They should know how to spot suspicious activity and protect sensitive information.
3. Create comprehensive security policies and procedures. These should cover data handling, password management, and incident response. Make sure all employees, from executives to rank-and-file and utility crew members, adhere to the rules you’ve set.
4. Invest in data loss prevention software. This software can help you to detect and prevent data leaks. Be sure to choose a reliable and effective tool to avoid costly problems in the future.
5. Regularly monitor employee activity. This can help you to spot suspicious activity and take action to prevent an attack.
6. Work with the experts. Cyber security is a complex issue. If you are unsure how to protect your business, work with a cyber security consultant. You can hire a company that offers reliable DPO as a service. They have experienced data protection officers who can stay in your company for a certain period to understand your business processes and find opportunities to uncover issues or weaknesses in your data security system. These professionals can help assess your risks and implement the best data security measures for your business.
Your business is vulnerable to problems that turn your world upside down, but you can do something to prevent them. Protect your business today by implementing strong cyber security measures and training your employees on best practices. If you are unsure of where to start, work with the experts. DPOs can help you get the guidance and support you need to keep your business safe from data breaches.