What is a data breach and how do they happen?

Data breaches are one of the most common cyber threats. With more and more personal information being stored online, it’s becoming increasingly important to protect it from falling into the wrong hands. Read on to find out more about data breaches and what you can do to reduce your chances of falling victim. If you’ve been keeping tabs on technology news recently, you may have heard about some pretty scary data breach incidents such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal. But what does that mean? What is a data breach? And how can we avoid becoming a victim? This article will explain everything you need to know about data breaches in plain English.

What is a data breach?

A data breach occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to sensitive data. This could be any kind of information such as credit card details, financial records, health information, or emails. The important thing to remember is that this information has been obtained illegally. The majority of data breaches involve a cyberattack. Attackers use malicious software to steal information from various data sources. This could be anything from a server in a company’s office to the database of an online store. If the data breach is at a company, the information could be anything from your email address to your date of birth and even your social security number. If it’s at a government agency, it could be even more sensitive information that could put you at risk of identity theft.

How do data breaches happen?

Data breaches occur when hackers gain access to a network or device containing sensitive information. Here are a few different methods hackers use to gain access:

Hacking – This can be done remotely and can involve tricking employees into clicking on a malicious link via an email.
Social engineering – This involves hacking an employee’s computer with malware, or tricking a receptionist into handing over outdated login credentials.
Ransomware – This is when cybercriminals lock you out of your network until you pay them off.

The biggest data breaches in recent years

– 2014 – Anthem – 92 million people – In July 2014, health insurance company Anthem discovered that their database had been hacked. Hackers had gained access to client data such as names, addresses, social security numbers, and employment information. This breach impacted 92 million people, making it one of the largest breaches in healthcare history.

– 2015 – OPM – 21.5 million people – In June, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials discovered a major cyber breach of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Hackers had gained access to the OPM’s database, and stolen 21.5 million people’s sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, birthdates, and fingerprints. – 2017 – Uber – 57 million people

– In October 2017, ride-sharing company Uber faced backlash after it was discovered that hackers had accessed data from 2.7 million customers, and another 57 million drivers. Hackers gained access to names, emails, and phone numbers, but no social security numbers were compromised.

– 2018 – Facebook – 50 million people – In the latest major data breach, Facebook reported that hackers had gained access to 50 million users’ accounts by exploiting a vulnerability in the “view as” feature. With this method, hackers were able to access other users’ data as well as that of their friends.

What information does a hacker seek in a breach?

Data breaches don’t occur just anywhere. They usually happen within large companies that store sensitive data. As a result, hackers are looking to access a range of information. They may be after social security numbers, credit card numbers, or dates of birth. This information can be used for identity theft, which is the most common crime involving stolen information.

Data breaches can also reveal a person’s online activity, including their shopping history and IP addresses. This information can be used for other malicious purposes such as for spreading false information online. Data breaches are a common problem in the U.S. and around the world. Whether it’s a company that has been hacked, or a database left unsecured, it’s important to know that you could be impacted.

Tips to protect yourself from data breaches

Make sure your computer is up to date. This should include running a virus scan once a week. Use strong passwords. Make sure they are at least 10 characters long and include numbers, letters and symbols.
Use two-factor authentication when available. For example, when you use your debit card at the ATM, there should be a prompt for you to enter a code before you can withdraw money.
Don’t click on links that you don’t trust. Hover over the link with your mouse to see where it goes.
Don’t open emails from people you don’t know. You can tell whether an email is legitimate or not by looking at the details. For example, you can search for the person’s email online and see if other emails are sent from an address with a different name.

Conclusion

Data breaches are a common occurrence in today’s digital world. It’s important to know that you could be impacted, and to take steps to protect yourself. A data breach occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to sensitive data. This could be any kind of information such as credit card details, financial records, health information, or emails.

The important thing to remember is that this information has been obtained illegally. The majority of data breaches involve a cyberattack. Attackers use malicious software to steal information from various data sources. This could be anything from a server in a company’s office to the database of an online store. If the data breach is at a company, the information could be anything from your email address to your date of birth and even your social security number.

If it’s at a government agency, it could be even more sensitive information that could put you at risk of identity theft. Data breaches occur when hackers gain access to a network or device containing sensitive information. You can protect yourself from data breaches by making sure your computer is up to date, using strong passwords, and taking steps to avoid clicking on suspicious links and emails.