A data breach is the release of secure information to an untrustworthy third party entity or environment in an unauthorized manner. This could be done intentionally or unintentionally and is also called a data leak or a data spill. Data breaches occur when a hacker finds an unauthorized entry point into a company’s database. This can be done physically by gaining accessing to a computer or by entering a company’s network virtually. The most commonly found data breaches include stealing social security numbers, licence numbers, credit card numbers, personal health information, trade secrets and intellectual property. This information is stolen for identity theft or misuse of data to fulfil illegal motives.
A few major weaknesses that can result in data breaches are:
- Weak passwords: Setting passwords which are not unique and complicated can make it easier for hackers to guess your passwords and enter your system with great ease.
- Old Security Systems: If your security system isn’t up-to-date, it gives hackers an easy pass to enter your network by breaking through the outdated security system.
- Viruses In The System: If you are not careful with the websites you download from and the spam emails you open, there are chances that your system has been infiltrated by viruses or malware. This allows hackers to enter your network easily.
However, there are some measures you can take to prevent data breaches in your company. They are as follows:
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Create Unique Passwords:
Passwords are the primary and most basic security measure for any network. Urging your employees to change passwords regularly and create unique and complicated passwords will make it difficult for hackers to enter your system by cracking the passwords. This will ensure that your network is secure.
- Conduct Employee Security Awareness Training:
You employees need training to be able to identify emails which can contain viruses or phishing attempts in the network. Make sure your employees are fully capable of identifying threats to the network and eradicating those threats at the primary level before they become a bigger problem. For this, employee security awareness training is highly essential and beneficial to the company.
- Invest In Better Security Technology:
Most companies have a traditional firewall and other basic security measures. But in today’s fast-paced world, this basic level of security is not enough. Investing in better security technology with encryption standards and a good back-up policy will make sure your company’s data is secure. This is an important investment that will benefit your company in the long run.
- Conduct Regular Network Audits:
Conducting regular network audits is very important when it comes to keeping a network secure. These audits help you to keep updated to the new changes in the network security technology and also assesses our compliance with data breaching rules and regulations. Thus, conducting network audits can help keep your network security up-to-date.
The above measure will ensure that your company stays safe from data breaches. It is important to carry out these preventive measures to keep your company’s sensitive data safe from hackers and malpractitioners.