The term “data breach” is everywhere in tech news these days. We’re talking about cyberattacks where someone sneaks into a system and grabs data they shouldn’t have access to, like credit card info, social security numbers, or medical data. It’s become so common that 81% of businesses have experienced some kind of cyberattack in the past two years!
But what exactly constitutes a data breach, how do they happen, and how can you protect against them?
Let’s break it down.
A data breach is actually a pretty straightforward concept to explain. According to Trend Micro, a data breach is “an incident where information is stolen or taken from a system without the knowledge or authorization of the system’s owner.” And while data breaches can be the result of a system or human error, the vast majority of data breaches result from cyber attacks, in which a cybercriminal gains unlawful access to sensitive system data. And it’s not just businesses that are being targeted; anyone can become a victim.
What tactics are commonly being used?
Cybercrime is getting more sophisticated each day. However, cyberattack tactics do not have to be cutting-edge or advanced to be effective.
By far, the most common and simplest method to gain access is through phishing emails, in which the sender tries to deceive someone into divulging information by tricking them into clicking a link or downloading a malicious attachment. In fact, 80% of security incidents and 90% of data breaches stem from phishing attempts.
Other tried-and-true methods for cybercriminals are malware and password attacks.
How can you spot a breach?
Continuous monitoring of your system for unusual activity is more important than ever. For example, if you notice that your device is running slower than usual or there’s an increase in pop-up ads, it could be a sign that someone has installed malware on your system. You should also keep an eye out for strange logins or failed login attempts. These could indicate that someone is trying to access your network without permission. Additionally, if you receive emails asking for personal information or that seem suspicious, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments.
By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures to protect your network, you can help prevent data breaches from occurring.
Make sure your passwords are long and difficult to guess, implement basic security measures such as anti-virus and 2FA, and regularly back-up any and all critical data.
There are some basic actions you can take if you suspect you’ve been hacked, however the best course of action included telling your IT department immediately! The sooner they know what’s going on, the easier and quicker they’ll be able to help you fix the issue.
If you’re a Hudson Valley business owner and you don’t have an IT partner you can trust, call Meeting Tree Computer at 845-237-2117. We’ve got your back!
