3 Common Issues That Lead to Data Breaches

Data breaches are scary, and in many cases, they can be enough to topple even the most stable businesses. They’re not entirely unpredictable, though, and the right actions can make them significantly easier to predict and prevent. Today, we want to cover three of the most common ways data breaches happen and what you can do to keep your business safe.

Outdated Technology and Vulnerabilities

Not only does old technology hold you back from a productivity standpoint, but it also creates more opportunities for cyberattacks against your business.

Software versions come and go, and businesses need to adapt to these changes by upgrading away from outdated solutions. This is because outdated software doesn’t receive patches and security updates from the developer, meaning vulnerabilities (both known and unknown) aren’t going to be fixed. And, well, that’s how hackers worm their way into your systems—by exploiting vulnerabilities.

So the number one way to prevent data breaches: update your technology, and be sure to apply patches and security updates.

Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

But what happens when there are no vulnerabilities to exploit? The answer is simple: you get around the technology by exploiting the human element of the business.

Phishing and social engineering make up the vast majority of cyberattacks. Sometimes they look like phony emails from tech support, and other times they might be as sophisticated as fake credential-stealing websites that look like mirror images of their real counterparts. The worst part: phishing and social engineering attacks can target any type of business and any type of employee, and anyone can fall for one if they’re not paying attention or if an attack disguises itself well enough.

This is why training your employees to be ready for these types of attacks is so important; it supplements your security solutions and makes it less likely you’ll experience a data breach.

Negligence and Poor Data Management

Poor data management can happen at both the individual and organizational levels, and it’s a serious problem that needs to be addressed if you want to avoid a security breach.

You wouldn’t keep a sensitive document with account numbers, personally identifiable information, or other sensitive information out on your desk in plain sight, right? The same goes for your business’ data; it should all be stored in a centralized location where it can be protected by stringent access controls, multi-factor authentication, and enterprise-level security solutions. You must also ensure your team knows how to handle sensitive data properly; it’s easy for them to say,  “It’s not my data,” but if they are aware of the dangers of data mismanagement, they’ll think twice about being careless with it in the future.

Remember, proper data management isn’t just a C-Suite or IT problem; it’s an organizational responsibility, and the sooner your employees get that, the better.

Want to protect your business from data breaches? Direct Technology Group can help. Learn more by calling us at (954) 739-4700 today.