A data leak is an unsecured release of confidential information that can lead to privacy risks, financial loss and reputation damage. Data breaches are often the result of human error or misconfigurations, but attacks can also exploit vulnerabilities to steal PII and other sensitive information. Organizations experiencing a data leak must promptly contain the breach, notify affected individuals and ensure compliance with regulations.
The damage from a data leak is costly for both the company and its customers. PII in the hands of cybercriminals can fuel ransomware attacks, identity theft and other malicious activities. In addition, the loss of consumer trust that stems from a data leak can be irreparable. The damage to a company’s reputation can be equally long-lasting, making it more difficult to attract new business and attract top talent.
Data leaks can take many forms, from physical theft of a device to a database exposed on the dark web. Some data leaks are as simple as a file shared with the wrong team, while others are the result of poorly configured infrastructure and increasing access from remote employees. Regardless of the method or medium, every leak is cause for concern.
A good place to start reducing the risk of a data leak is by establishing clear security policies and reinforcing them frequently throughout the workplace. Then, organizations should monitor network activity to detect unusual patterns and anomalies. For example, a sudden increase in login attempts or repeated file transfers within short time frames could be an early warning sign.