what is the greatest threat to theft of data

Data theft definition

Data theft – also known as data theft – is the illegal transfer or storage of personal, confidential, or fiscal information. This could include passwords, software code or algorithms, and proprietary processes or technologies. Information theft is considered a serious security and privacy alienation, with potentially astringent consequences for individuals and organizations.

What is information theft?

Data theft is the human action of stealing digital data stored on computers, servers, or electronic devices to obtain confidential information or compromise privacy. The information stolen can be anything from bank account data, online passwords, passport numbers, driver's license numbers, social security numbers, medical records, online subscriptions, and and so on. One time an unauthorized person has access to personal or financial information, they can delete, alter, or prevent access to information technology without the possessor'due south permission.

Data theft usually occurs considering malicious actors want to sell the information or utilise it for identity theft. If information thieves steal enough information, they can use information technology to proceeds access to secure accounts, ready credit cards using the victim's name, or otherwise use the victim's identity to do good themselves. Information theft was one time primarily a problem for businesses and organizations but, unfortunately, is now a growing problem for individuals.

While the term refers to 'theft', data theft doesn't literally hateful taking information abroad or removing information technology from the victim. Instead, when information theft occurs, the attacker merely copies or duplicates information for their own utilize.

The terms 'data breach' and 'information leak' can be used interchangeably when discussing information theft. However, they are unlike:

• A information leak occurs when sensitive information is accidentally exposed, either on the internet or through lost hard drives or devices. This enables cybercriminals to gain unauthorized admission to sensitive data without effort on their role.
• By dissimilarity, a data breach refers to intentional cyberattacks.

How does data theft happen?

Information theft or digital theft occurs through a diversity of ways. Some of the most common include:

Social engineering:

The most common form of social technology is phishing. Phishing occurs when an attacker masquerades every bit a trusted entity to gull a victim into opening an email, text message, or instant bulletin. Users falling for phishing attacks is a common cause of data theft.

Weak passwords:

Using a password that is easy to guess, or using the same password for multiple accounts, tin can allow attackers to gain access to data. Poor countersign habits – such as writing passwords down on a piece of paper or sharing them with others – can as well lead to data theft.

System vulnerabilities:

Poorly written software applications or network systems that are poorly designed or implemented create vulnerabilities that hackers tin can exploit and employ to steal data. Antivirus software that is out of date can also create vulnerabilities.

Insider threats:

Employees who work for an organization accept admission to customers' personal data. Rogue employees or disgruntled contractors could re-create, alter, or steal data. Withal, insider threats are not necessarily restricted to current employees. They can too be old employees, contractors, or partners who have access to an system'due south systems or sensitive information. Insider threats are reportedly on the ascent.

Human error

Data breaches don't have to be the result of malicious actions. Sometimes they tin can exist the outcome of man error instead. Common errors include sending sensitive data to the wrong person, such every bit sending an electronic mail by mistake to the incorrect accost, attaching the wrong document, or handing a physical file to someone who shouldn't have access to the information. Alternatively, human fault could involve misconfiguration, such equally an employee leaving a database containing sensitive information online without any password restrictions in place.

Compromised downloads

An individual might download programs or data from compromised websites infected by viruses like worms or malware. This gives criminals unauthorized access to their devices, allowing them to steal data.

Physical actions

Some data theft is not the result of cybercrime only physical deportment instead. These include the theft of paperwork or devices such equally laptops, phones, or storage devices. With remote working increasingly widespread, the scope for devices to get missing or exist stolen has as well increased. If yous're working in a public place such as a coffee shop, someone could sentinel your screen and keyboard to steal information like your login details. Card-skimming – where criminals insert a device into carte readers and ATMs to harvest payment carte du jour information – is some other source of data theft.

Database or server problems

If a company storing your data is attacked because of a database or server problem, the assailant could access customers' personal data.

Publicly bachelor information

A lot of information can be found in the public domain – i.eastward., through internet searches and looking through user posts on social networks.

What types of data are typically stolen?

Whatever data stored by an individual or organization could be a potential target for data thieves. For instance:

• Customer records
• Financial Data such as credit bill of fare or debit menu information
• Source codes and algorithms
• Proprietary process descriptions and operating methodologies
• Network credentials such as usernames and passwords
• Hour records and employee data
• Private documents stored on computer computers

Consequences of information theft

For organizations that suffer a data alienation, consequences tin be severe:

• Potential lawsuits from customers whose information has been exposed
• Ransomware demands from attackers
• Recovery costs – for example, restoring or patching systems that have been breached
• Reputational damage and loss of customers
• Fines or penalties from regulatory bodies (depending on the industry)
• Downtime while data is recovered

For individuals whose data has been breached, the master consequence is that it could lead to identity theft, causing fiscal loss and emotional distress.

How to keep data prophylactic and secure

And so, how to protect data from cybercriminals? In that location are several steps you can accept to prevent criminals from stealing data. These include:

Use secure passwords

Passwords tin be hands croaky past hackers, particularly if you don't use a stiff password. A potent password is at least 12 characters or longer and comprises a mix of upper- and lower-instance messages plus symbols and numbers. The shorter and less complex your password is, the easier it is for cybercriminals to fissure. You should avoid choosing something obvious – such as sequential numbers ("1234") or personal data that someone who knows you might approximate, such equally your engagement of birth or a pet's name.

To make your passwords more complex, you lot could consider creating a 'passphrase' instead. Passphrases involve picking a meaningful phrase that is easy to remember then making the kickoff letter of every discussion the password.

Avoid using the aforementioned password for multiple accounts

If you use the same password for multiple accounts, if a hacker cracks your countersign on one website, they too have access to many more. Retrieve to alter your passwords regularly – every six months or so.

Avert writing down your passwords

Writing a password down anywhere leaves it susceptible to being constitute by hackers, whether information technology's on a piece of paper, in an Excel spreadsheet, or in the Notes app on your phone. If you take too many passwords to remember, consider using a password managing director to assistance you keep track.

Multi-factor authentication

Multi-gene authentication (MFA) – of which 2-factor hallmark (TFA or 2FA) is the most common – is a tool that gives internet users an additional level of account security across the standard email accost/username plus password combination. Two-cistron authentication requires two separate, distinct forms of identification to access something. The first cistron is a password, and the second commonly includes a text with a lawmaking sent to your smartphone or biometrics using your fingerprint, face, or retina. Where possible, enable multi-cistron authentication on your accounts.

Exist cautious when sharing personal information

Try to keep access to your data on a 'need to know basis, both online and offline. For example, if someone is asking for your personal information – such every bit your Social Security number, credit carte number, passport number, date of birth, work history or credit status, etc. – ask yourself why they need it and how they will use it. What security measures do they have in identify to ensure your private data remains private?

Limit social media sharing

Familiarize yourself with each social networking platform's security settings and ensure these are set to a level yous are comfortable with. Avoid disclosing personal information like your address or appointment of birth in your social media bios – criminals can use this data to build upwards a picture near y'all.

Close unused accounts

Most of usa have signed up for online services that we no longer employ. Where those accounts however be, they likely comprise a mix of your personal information, identity details, and credit carte du jour numbers – all valuable information for cybercriminals. Worse, if you use the same password for multiple accounts – which is definitely not recommended – and then a countersign leak at one site can mean attackers obtain access to your accounts at other sites. To protect your privacy, information technology's advisable to remove your private data from services y'all no longer use. You tin practise this past closing those outdated accounts rather than leaving them dormant.

Shred personal data

Shred letters which contain personal details similar your name, engagement of birth, or Social Security Number. Keep an eye on your mail, equally this could warning you to a data alienation that may have gone undetected. For instance, if you receive documentation related to a doc's visit you didn't attend, it could exist a sign your data has been breached, and it's fourth dimension to take activity.

Keep systems and programs upwards to engagement

Keep all operating systems and software programs up to engagement past regularly installing updates to security, web browsers, operating systems, and software programs equally soon every bit they become bachelor.

Monitor your accounts

Regularly cheque your depository financial institution or credit bill of fare statements, or other accounts, so you lot tin can see if any unauthorized charges or other anomalies have taken place. You lot may not receive a notification when a visitor you transact with has a data breach, so it's advisable to stay vigilant yourself.

Exist wary of free Wi-Fi

Using free public Wi-Fi has become a daily routine for many people, simply secure and reliable connections are not always what they seem. Public Wi-Fi hotspots can exist easy targets for hackers and cybercriminals who can utilize them for data stealing. To stay safe on public Wi-Fi, avoid opening or sending sensitive data, turn off Bluetooth and file sharing, use a VPN and a firewall. A good antivirus is also essential. Read our tips on how to stay safe using public Wi-Fi here.

Stay informed

Continue an center on the news in full general or monitor security news websites to be sure you hear about it when a company you interact with suffers a information leak or data breach.

1 of the best ways to stay safe online is by using a loftier-quality antivirus. Kaspersky Total Security works effectually the clock to secure your devices and data. It locates device vulnerabilities and threats, blocks cyber threats before they accept hold, and isolates and removes firsthand dangers.

Related articles:

• Identifying and avoiding faux apps
• Phishing prevention tips
• How to avoid scam websites
• What to do if your identity is stolen
• Online shopping condom tips

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Source: https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/data-theft

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