A data breach occurs when sensitive information – including credit card numbers, passwords, medical records and other confidential data – is exposed to unauthorized individuals. This may be through hacking, ransomware or phishing, and it can lead to financial loss, regulatory fines and damage to reputation.
Data breaches are a major concern for businesses of all sizes and industries, but there are certain verticals that have more risk than others. Government agencies, healthcare providers and financial institutions are especially vulnerable.
Cyber criminals target these industries because the information they seek is lucrative and valuable. They can sell it on the black market, or use it to gain access to more valuable information such as bank account numbers, credit card details and login credentials.
Even the most vigilant organizations can suffer a data breach. For example, the UK Ministry of Defence was hit with a ransomware attack in 2024 that left personal and banking details of military personnel exposed. Similarly, the Illinois Department of Human Services was hit with a phishing campaign that exposed personal and health information, including names, addresses, dates of birth and public assistance account details, of over 1 million people.
To avoid a data breach, ensure that security is comprehensive across all areas of the organization. This holistic approach protects against common points of weakness that hackers exploit, like unsecured endpoints and outdated software. A proactive threat management solution, like Randori Recon, can help identify these vulnerabilities and prevent them from being exploited by attackers.