What are data leaks, causes, consequences and information protection

31 October 2024 6 minutes Author: Lady Liberty

Data leaks are one of the most pressing problems in today’s digital world, which can lead to significant financial and reputational losses for companies. In this article, we will take a detailed look at exactly how data leaks occur, what causes them, and what methods will help you avoid this threat.

What is it?

A data breach is a situation where confidential information becomes available to third parties without the permission of its owner. To fully understand the scope and seriousness of this phenomenon, it is worth considering its key aspects:

Risk to personal data. Data leaks are cases where third parties gain access to personal information, such as full name, copies of documents, address, financial information, phone numbers, etc.
The difficulty of detection. A leak is often difficult to detect because it may not be accompanied by visible signs of a break-in or tampering. For example, data may be exposed through carelessness or through a system failure.
Consequences of leakage. Information obtained through a leak is quickly shared or sold, but it is almost impossible to regain control of it or mitigate the consequences, creating significant risks for affected individuals.

This type of incident highlights the need for increased security and caution in handling personal data.

The main reason for data leaks

The main reason for data leaks is the insufficient level of information protection and the lack of effective security measures. For example, many users neglect to choose strong passwords, using weak or repeated passwords for different accounts. The lack of comprehensive security settings also increases the risk of unauthorized access to data.

In addition, the situation is complicated if users or organizations use outdated software and do not update in a timely manner. Vulnerabilities in older versions of programs can become open to attackers, which significantly increases the likelihood of leaking confidential information.

How does this happen?

Data leakage can happen under different conditions and for many reasons. Here are some of the most common situations:

Mishandling of data. You can accidentally reveal sensitive information to the wrong person, leave your device unattended, or use weak passwords, making it easier to access your data.
Malware attack. Attackers often use viruses and other malware to infiltrate systems and obtain personal information.
Leakage at the level of organizations. Even well-known companies, such as banks or social networks, can experience large-scale breaches if they do not adhere to strict cybersecurity standards.
Device theft. If your phone or laptop is stolen, criminals can sell the information collected on it to other interested parties, creating additional risks to your privacy.

Such cases emphasize the importance of a strict approach to the protection of personal information and increased vigilance regarding possible cyber threats.

What is the most common method of data leakage?

The most common method of data leakage is phishing. In phishing attacks, attackers use deception to trick users into revealing sensitive information. For example, fraudsters can pretend to be representatives of well-known companies or banks and ask for personal data. A typical scenario is receiving a call from what appears to be “bank support” asking for financial or personal information under the guise of verification.

Phishing is dangerous because of its simplicity and effectiveness: users may not suspect fraud, as fraudsters often use real logos, communication styles and company names to gain credibility.

How do passwords get leaked?

There are many methods of password cracking that can lead to the leakage of personal data:

Phishing. Fraudsters trick users into revealing sensitive information, including passwords, by impersonating trusted sources.
Attacks using repeated passwords. If a user uses the same password for multiple accounts, hackers can use password lists from previous leaks and gain access to other accounts using bots.
Attacks on unprotected databases. Attackers often target weakly secured databases where companies store passwords and other sensitive information to gain mass access to user data.
Keylogging and insecure connections. Keyloggers track keystrokes, allowing you to retrieve passwords and other sensitive data. Leakage is also possible if the user accidentally discloses information through unsecured Wi-Fi connections, where data can be intercepted by third parties.

These methods emphasize the importance of using unique, complex passwords, two-factor authentication, and secure connections to protect sensitive information.

How do iPhone data leaks happen?

Apple devices have several features that affect data security. For example, using outdated iOS versions or weak iCloud backup protection increases the risk of a leak. If the protection of iCloud backups is not strong enough, attackers can gain access to your information. It’s also important to be careful about the apps you download: sometimes an untrusted app may contain a keylogger that captures your keystrokes and retrieves your passwords and other data.

How do Android data leaks happen?

On Android, the risk of a leak increases if you use outdated versions of the system or lack regular security updates. Downloading apps outside of the Play Store or other verified platforms is another risk factor, as such files may contain malicious code capable of collecting personal information. Outdated software also has vulnerabilities that facilitate unauthorized access to the device and user data.

Protecting both types of devices requires timely system updates, careful app downloads, and careful backup setup, which greatly reduces the likelihood of data leakage.

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How to prevent data leakage threats?

To protect your data from threats of leakage, several important rules should be applied, because the primary responsibility for security lies with you:

Unique passwords and two-factor authentication. Always use different, strong passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA), which will make it much harder for attackers to access your data.
Timely updates and security settings. Don’t ignore software updates – they close vulnerabilities that can lead to leaks. Also, adjust your device’s security settings by activating features such as screen lock and device security check.
Caution with applications. Do not allow unknown or suspicious applications to access your data and verify their reliability before installing.
Download files only from verified sources. Avoid downloading files from questionable sites, as they may contain malware that can track your activity or steal data.
VPN for public networks. Do not use public Wi-Fi to log into accounts or process sensitive information. When connecting to a public network, use a VPN to encrypt your traffic and reduce the risk of data interception.
Data encryption. Confidential data stored on the device should be encrypted, which will significantly reduce the possibility of their use in case of theft of the device.
Monitoring of leaks. Use leak testing services to find out if your data has been compromised. Examples of such platforms are: Have I Been Pwned?, Surfshark, Identity Leak Checker.