In today's digital age, data security is a top priority for both individuals and organizations. One of the biggest threats to data security is data breach or a data breach. This article will discuss comprehensively about what it is data breach, examples of cases that have happened, as well as how to prevent it so that sensitive data remains safe.
What Is A Data Breach?
Data breach is a security incident in which confidential, sensitive, or protected information is accessed, copied, disseminated, or used by unauthorized parties. This information can be personal data, financial data, login information, customer data, to company trade secrets.
There are a number of reasons for this, including cyber attacks (cyber attack), employee negligence, system misconfiguration, to lax security practices.
Types of Data Breaches
1. Breach due to hacking
Usually done by hacker who managed to penetrate the security system through malware, phishing, or exploit vulnerabilities (vulnerability) on the system.
2. Insider threat (ancaman dari dalam)
Involving employees or internal parties who intentionally or unintentionally leak data.
3. Lost Device
Data can leak if a device that stores sensitive information such as a laptop, hard drive, or smartphone is lost and not properly protected.
4. Human Error
For example, sending an email containing sensitive data to the wrong recipient, or incorrectly setting file access permissions in the cloud.
Examples Of Data Breach
1. Yahoo (2013-2014)
This is one of the data breach greatest in all history. Yahoo revealed that more than 3 billion user accounts were hacked. The leaked information included names, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and answers to security questions.
2. Facebook (2019)
More than 530 million Facebook user data, including phone numbers and profile information, were found scattered on hacker forums. This data was leaked as a result of an error in the configuration of a third-party server.
3. Tokopedia (2020)
One of the largest e-commerce sites in Indonesia has suffered a data leak of 91 million user accounts. The leaked information includes emails, usernames, and password hashes.
4. BPJS Health (2021)
The case of personal data leakage of about 279 million people in Indonesia is suspected to come from BPJS Kesehatan. The Data includes NIK, full name, address, mobile number, and salary.
Impact of Data Breach
Data breaches not only impact an organization's reputation, but can also lead to financial losses, lawsuits, and loss of trust from consumers. Here are some of the main impacts:
- Financial losses: Regulatory fines, user notification fees, as well as spending on improving security systems.
- Loss of trust: Consumers tend to abandon services that are unable to maintain their privacy.
- Legal risks: Organizations may be subject to sanctions under data protection laws such as the GDPR in Europe or the Personal Data Protection Act (PDP law) in Indonesia.
- Exploitation of personal data: The leaked information could be used for identity theft, fraud, and further cyberattacks.
See also: Zero Day attacks: What are the repercussions, examples and how to prevent them!
How to Prevent Data Breaches
Prevent data breach it requires a holistic approach, from technology, to internal policies, to employee education. Here are the key steps in preventing data breaches:
1. Use Data Encryption
Encrypted Data will remain protected even if it falls into the wrong hands. Ensure that all sensitive data, whether being transmitted or stored, is encrypted to a high standard.
2. Update and patch the system periodically
Always perform updates of the operating system, software and applications to close security gaps. Many hacks happen because organizations ignore important updates.
3. Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
With 2FA, even if a user's password is leaked, Access will still be protected by an additional layer of security such as OTP or biometric authentication.
4. Conduct Cybersecurity Training
Employees should be routinely trained on data security practices, such as recognizing phishing emails, avoiding the use of weak passwords, and reporting suspicious activity.
5. Restrict Data Access
Apply the principle least privilegeit only gives access to those who truly need it. The fewer people who have access to sensitive data, the less risk of leakage.
6. Monitoring and early detection
Use the system intrusion detection system (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) to detect suspicious activity in real-time.
7. Backup Data Regularly
Data backup will be very helpful in case of violations, especially in the case of ransomware. Make sure backups are stored in a secure location and separate from the main system.
8. Periodic security audits and assessments
Conducting regular security audits helps identify weaknesses before they are abused by outsiders. Use a cyber security consultant when needed.
The role of regulation in Data Protection
As the incidence increases data breach, governments in various countries, including Indonesia, have drafted regulations to strengthen the protection of personal data.
The Personal Data Protection Law (PDP law) passed in Indonesia in 2022 is an important milestone in digital information protection efforts. This law requires data controllers to maintain the security of personal data and notify if a leak occurs within a certain period of time.
Conclusion
Data breach it is a real threat in the digital age that can affect anyone, from individuals, companies, to government agencies. Therefore, a good understanding of what it is data breach, examples of cases that have happened, and how to prevent them are very important for securing data.
Preventive measures such as encryption, employee training, access restrictions, as well as the implementation of adequate security technologies will go a long way in reducing the risk of data breaches. In addition, strict adherence to data protection regulations will strengthen consumer confidence and maintain the reputation of the organization in the eyes of the public.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Protect your data now before it's too late. Contact contact audithink for internal audit needs of the company or you can also try demo application!
