Data Breaches
Threats and Vulnerabilities
IT/200
Reba Sanford

Finding out information has been compromised or even the idea can be extremely alarming. Data breaches happen every day and numerous people are affected. When a breach happens, it could affect consumers, companies, and employees as well as individuals using online services at home. There are several types of breaches and it is very important to protect people from all of them.
Internal attacks are the most frequent and easiest attacks because people already have access to the data. As a company, it is important to make sure that passwords used within the facility are updated frequently. Upon terminating an employee, a company should terminate all of the ex-employee’s access to existing networks. Another way a company experiences data breaches is by allowing unsecured mobile devices to access their network. Public access to a company’s networks raises a lot of risks. When devices access the network, it weakens the security of the network including passwords and secured accounts. The same thing applies to people in their homes. Home networks allow you to secure a connection by using a password. However, when outside parties are allowed access to the network, it becomes more vulnerable. It is important to filter the information that you send over a network. When making online orders or purchases at home, it is probably best to use a prepaid debit card versus one linked to an actual bank account. Also, online conversations raise vulnerabilities. When engaging a person met via an online service, it is best to be as discreet as possible.
When “data breaches” occur, it is important to fully address what kind of breach of occurred. A physical data breach can be performed by a malicious insider or outsider. A physical data breach usually results in the removal of property from a premises. This property can include but not limited to: computers, laptops, hard drives, usb flash drives, stored paper files. If the property removed has data stored, vulnerabilities can occur. Online networking is the idea entry way for hackers to cause a data breach. An exchange of personal information could lead to a case of breached data. When data gets in the wrong hands, a number of threats could take place.
Although it may seem that an outsider may be a company’s biggest threat when it comes to data breaching, the truth is, it’s actually the company’s employees that pose a bigger threat. People on the inside already have a lot of access to data of all types. It is easier for them to tamper with data than an outsider. Physically, an employee could walk in to work and leave out with files or equipment with very vulnerable information stored within the items taken away from the facility.
Malicious outsiders have several ways to get into data systems and steal information. Cyber-attacks seem to be the most frequented way of obtaining data. Hackers are developing more ways to gain access into systems that have the most secure networks. The only true way to remain protected against hackers is too constantly update your network, network security and passwords.
Data breaches affect a broad variety of people. When data is stolen, the number one person affected is the victim. Personal information in the wrong hands could make or break someone’s livelihood. Identity theft is always a possibility and victimizes more people each day. If a company is acting as an overhead of the data, then the company then becomes a victim and a culprit. It is hard for a company to explain the cause of a data breach or to even accommodate the people affected by the breach. Employees are affected as well. If a breach is irreversible, then jobs may be terminated as a result. A company may have to make budget cuts to be able to enhance the security of its facility and network. In conclusion, data breaches can be some of the most damaging experiences to encounter. To avoid data breaches, it is necessary to stay current on the most valid form of security .