Simone Lawson
A security breach occurs when there is unauthorized access to computer data, applications, networks, or devices. This typically happens when an intruder bypasses security mechanisms. It is distinct from a data breach, which occurs when the cybercriminal escapes with information. Data breaches can be extremely costly for companies and can also cause problems for individuals whose data is exposed. Here are three examples of security breaches:
1. Yahoo, 2013: Phishing attempts gave hackers access to the network, compromising 3 billion user accounts.
2. Marriott, 2018: Hackers exposed the personal data of up to 500 million guests, including names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and passport numbers.
3. Equifax, 2017: A website application vulnerability caused the loss of personal details of 145 million Americans, including names, SSNs, and driver's license numbers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Unauthorized access, disclosure, or manipulation of sensitive data, computer systems, applications, networks, or devices |
| Types | Malware, Phishing, Physical, Credential Stuffing, Ransomware, Password Cracking, Software Exploits, Drive-by-Downloads, Zero-Day Attacks, Third-Party Software Vulnerability, Cookie Manipulation, Social Engineering Techniques |
| Impact | Data Loss, Operational Damage, Financial Loss, Lawsuits, Reputational Damage, Regulatory Fines, Identity Theft, Financial Fraud, Loss of Business Opportunities |
| Examples | Yahoo (2013-2014), Equifax (2017), Facebook (2021), eBay (2014), Ashley Madison (2015), LastPass (2022), 23andMe (2023) |
| Prevention | Anti-Malware Software, Strong Passwords, Two-Factor Authentication, Password Managers, Anti-Virus Software, Secure HTTPS Protocol, Credit Freeze, Regular Software Updates |
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What You'll Learn
- Types of security breach: exploit attacks, weak passwords, malware, drive-by downloads, social engineering
- Security breach vs security incident: malware infection, DDOS attack, lost device—not a breach unless network accessed or data lost
- Data breach: when sensitive or confidential information is accessed without authorization
- Data breach examples: Yahoo, Marriott International, Ashley Madison
- Impact of a data breach: financial, reputational, legal, and personal damage
Types of security breach: exploit attacks, weak passwords, malware, drive-by downloads, social engineering
A security breach is any incident that results in unauthorized access to computer data, applications, networks, or devices. There are several types of security breaches, including exploit attacks, weak passwords, malware, drive-by downloads, and social engineering.
Exploit attacks target vulnerabilities in software, applications, networks, operating systems, or hardware. They are designed to identify flaws, bypass security measures, gain unauthorized access, take control of systems, install malware, or steal sensitive data. For example, attackers may use multiple exploits in succession to gain low-level access and then escalate privileges until they reach the highest administrative level, known as "root". Zero-day exploits, which target unknown vulnerabilities, can be particularly challenging to prevent.
Weak passwords are another common cause of security breaches. In some cases, hackers can guess or crack weak or default passwords. For instance, in 2021, a supply chain attack on U.S. government agencies was reportedly due to a SolarWinds employee using the weak password "solarwinds123".
Malware, or malicious software, can be used to gain unauthorized access to systems. Phishing emails, for instance, can trick users into clicking on links or downloading attachments that install malware. Once installed, malware can allow hackers to disrupt, control, or steal information from devices.
Drive-by downloads refer to malicious programs that install on devices without the user's consent. They can be delivered through compromised or spoofed websites, deceptive fake security alerts, or even legitimate sites. Drive-by downloads can exploit security flaws in web browsers to find and exploit device vulnerabilities.
Social engineering is a psychological tactic used to gain a target's trust and persuade them to take unsafe actions, such as divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Cybercriminals may impersonate a trusted organization or an individual known to the victim. Social engineering attacks can be carried out in person or remotely through email or other electronic communication channels.
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Security breach vs security incident: malware infection, DDOS attack, lost device—not a breach unless network accessed or data lost
A security breach occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to a device, system, network, or data. This can be achieved through various methods, including malware, phishing, ransomware, and social engineering. A security incident, on the other hand, may not necessarily result in unauthorized access or data loss. For instance, a malware infection, a DDoS attack, or a lost device are all security incidents, but they only become security breaches if they result in unauthorized network access or data loss.
Let's consider the three examples mentioned:
- Malware Infection: Malware is malicious software designed to infiltrate a system, steal sensitive data, hijack resources, or cause system damage. A malware infection becomes a security breach when it results in unauthorized access to data or systems. For example, in 2022, Chinese-linked hackers infected a Pakistani government app with malware, potentially compromising sensitive government data.
- DDoS Attack: A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack involves overwhelming a website or network with traffic, causing it to crash or become inaccessible. While a DDoS attack itself may not be a data breach, it can be used as a distraction or entry point for further malicious activity. For instance, in July 2023, Russian hackers targeted 12 government ministries in Norway using a DDoS attack to gain access to sensitive information.
- Lost Device: Losing a device, such as a laptop or mobile phone, is a security incident. It becomes a security breach if unauthorized access to the device results in data loss or network infiltration. For example, an unlocked or unencrypted lost laptop can easily lead to information theft if accessed by malicious actors.
It's important to distinguish between security incidents and security breaches. A security incident may not always result in unauthorized access or data loss, but it can escalate into a breach if not addressed promptly. Organizations must be vigilant in detecting and responding to security incidents to prevent them from becoming full-blown security breaches, which can have severe financial, legal, and reputational consequences.
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Data breach: when sensitive or confidential information is accessed without authorization
A data breach occurs when sensitive or confidential information is accessed without authorization. This can happen in a variety of ways, including:
- Malware: Attackers infect a system with malware designed to steal sensitive data, hijack system resources, or cause system damage.
- Phishing: Attackers send seemingly legitimate emails or texts with links to fake websites or login pages to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
- Physical breaches: Attackers steal or meddle with equipment to gain access to systems or data, or steal passwords that have been written down.
Data breaches can have devastating consequences, including identity theft, financial fraud, and reputational damage. In recent years, several high-profile data breaches have affected millions of individuals. Here are some notable examples:
- Yahoo (2013-2014): Attackers exploited a weakness in Yahoo's cookie system and gained access to the names, birthdates, email addresses, and passwords of 3 billion users.
- Equifax (2017): Hackers exploited an unpatched weakness in Equifax's website and accessed the personal data of 143-147 million Americans, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and credit card numbers.
- 23andMe (2023): Hackers used "credential stuffing" to breach user accounts and steal unconventional and highly personal information, including family trees and DNA data, of 6.9 million users.
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Data breach examples: Yahoo, Marriott International, Ashley Madison
A security breach occurs when an intruder bypasses security mechanisms to gain unauthorized access to computer data, applications, networks, or devices. While a security breach refers to the act of breaking into a system, a data breach refers to the cybercriminal successfully stealing information.
Yahoo
In 2013 and 2014, Yahoo suffered two of the largest data breaches on record, compromising three billion user accounts. The breach included names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and security questions—both encrypted and unencrypted. The fallout from the breach included a $117.5 million class-action lawsuit settlement, a $35 million fine from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and scrutiny by the United States Congress.
Marriott International
Marriott International and its subsidiary, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, experienced three large data breaches from 2014 to 2020, impacting approximately 344 million customers worldwide. Malicious actors obtained sensitive information such as passport details, payment card numbers, loyalty account information, dates of birth, email addresses, and other personal details. As a result, Marriott agreed to pay a $52 million penalty and implement a comprehensive security program to address the lax data security that led to the breaches.
Ashley Madison
Ashley Madison, a website that facilitates extramarital affairs, suffered a significant data breach in July 2015. The personal information of its users was exposed, including records of credit card transactions. Notably, the breach also revealed that the website had not deleted users' data even after they had paid for this service. The breach had severe consequences, including unconfirmed suicides and hate crimes connected to the hack, as well as a $567 million class-action lawsuit against the company.
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Impact of a data breach: financial, reputational, legal, and personal damage
A security breach occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to a device, system, or data. This can happen through various means, such as malware, phishing, or physical theft. When a security breach leads to a data breach, it can have significant impacts on individuals and organizations. Here are some examples of the potential consequences:
Financial Damage
A data breach can result in financial losses for individuals and organizations. Unauthorized access to online accounts or financial documents can lead to financial fraud and theft. Additionally, the aftermath of a breach can result in significant expenses, including investigations, legal fees, customer notification, compensation, and possible fines. The global average cost of a data breach is estimated to be USD 4.88 million, and the time to identify and contain a breach can take up to 277 days, impacting an organization's ability to recover.
Reputational Damage
Data breaches can cause long-lasting reputational damage to organizations, affecting their ability to attract customers, investors, and employees. A loss of customer trust and confidence can lead to a decline in sales and business opportunities. Research suggests that up to a third of customers in retail, finance, and healthcare will stop doing business with organizations that have experienced a breach. Negative media coverage can further damage an organization's reputation and lead to a competitive disadvantage.
Legal Consequences
Data breaches can result in legal troubles for organizations, especially those that have compromised customer data. This includes fines, penalties, lawsuits, and regulatory scrutiny. Organizations may also face consequences from breached contracts with partners and clients, as many business agreements include data protection clauses. Affected individuals can file class-action lawsuits, claiming damages for the breach of their personal information, resulting in substantial settlements and legal fees.
Personal Damage
Data breaches can have a profound impact on individuals, exposing their sensitive and personal information. This can lead to identity theft, where attackers use stolen information for financial gain or to spread misinformation. In some cases, critical data, such as medical records, may be deleted, potentially affecting an individual's medical treatment and well-being. The exposure of personal data can exceed any financial or reputational damage, highlighting the importance of data protection.
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