3 Reasons Data Breaches Happen

A data breach can have a catastrophic impact on your business and result in huge losses. Having your network breached can also cause irreversible damage to your reputation and make you lose customer trust. For that reason, you must place a special focus on cybersecurity and take action to protect your network and sensitive data. A key part of improving your online security is learning why breaches happen and how to minimize the risks. Here are three common reasons behind data breaches. 

1. Human error

Human error is one of the leading causes of data breaches in the workplace. According to Help Net Security, almost half of employees have made a mistake that has resulted in cybersecurity repercussions. Some of the most frequent reasons for data breaches include following a link in a phishing email or sending an email to the incorrect person. These simple errors can have serious consequences for both the employee and the business. In some circumstances, a mistake may result in an employee being fired or a company having to inform customers of a data breach. One of the most efficient ways to protect your company from data breaches is by providing your staff with routine training on cybersecurity. The aim of this should be to teach your employees to identify potential security threats and minimize the risk of a data breach. You should also implement a zero-tolerance approach and ask your employees to notify you of any security risks or suspicious behavior immediately. 

2. Poor network security

Poor network security will make your digital systems vulnerable to hackers and breaches. For that reason, you must create a strong security strategy that will keep your network safe and secure. It is no longer enough to install firewalls and verification controls to monitor people outside of your network. You must also run security checks on users and devices already within your network. One of the easiest ways to do this is by installing zero trust technology. Experts at McAfee.com explain how “zero trust assumes the network has been compromised and challenges the user to prove that they are not attackers.”

3. Physical theft

You must keep in mind that not all data breaches are the result of cyberattacks. Data breaches occur in the real world too, and you must protect your sensitive data from physical theft. You can help to protect your data from physical theft by keeping laptops, files, and other devices locked in a secure location when not in use. You should also control who has access to your company computers. 

Conclusion

Data breaches can have serious long-term consequences, even when they are fairly minor. Companies must make data security a top priority and invest in developing a strong enterprise security strategy. Fortunately, there is a massive variety of technology and tools that can help companies boost their security and safeguard their valuable information. Above, are a few of the most common reasons behind data breaches. Use this information to educate your employees, protect your systems from cyber threats, and minimize the risk of a data breach.