One of the worst things that may happen to a business is a data breach. Although cybersecurity solutions can prevent many data breaches, hackers are skilled at slipping into networks undetected.
Worldwide internet users had 52 million data breaches in the second quarter of 2022, which is a 56 percent decrease from the same period last year.
The fourth quarter of 2020 saw approximately 125 million occurrences of data breaches, which was the greatest number recorded throughout the measurement period.
The average cost of a data breach grew by 2.6%, from 4.24 million USD in 2021 to 4.35 million USD in 2022. The average price increased from USD 3.86 million in the 2020 report by 12.7%.
Despite the fact that the majority of data leaks may be thwarted by a strong IT security system, it is vital to understand the warning signals of a system data breach.
5 Warning Signs of a Data Breach
The following are some of the data breach key indicators:
1. Unexpected file modifications
A hacker who infiltrates an account breach successfully seeks to avoid detection. A threat actor can make imperceptible modifications to system files in a matter of minutes.
Significant amounts of data leaks may go unnoticed if a company does not proactively check for changes to crucial files.
2. Account restrictions
When a hacker successfully obtains a person’s login information and changes it, it may lead to the user being locked out of their accounts.
To limit possible data leak harm, users who are locked out of their accounts should promptly tell their contacts, the IT department, and maybe even the managed services provider.
3. Slow network and device performance
When a computer or software application abruptly stops or crashes repeatedly, this is another telltale symptom of a probable data breach.
4. Abnormal system performance
Multiple scanning programs installed on protected computers are set up to spot data breaches, mainly when a user has visited dubious websites or seen strange activity on the machine.
However, discovering a data breach might take months for gadgets, laptops, and IT systems with minimal cybersecurity protection.
5. Account action that is unusual
When a privileged user’s account is hacked, it’s one of the data breaches that should worry them the most.
A whole IT system may suffer greater harm from a compromised privileged account breach than from an assault on a person without administrative access to confidential data leaks.
What to Do When a Data Breach Happens?
Tragically, data breaches have become a typical element of modern life in our always-connected world of online services; but, even if the data is exposed in a data breach, one does not have to become a victim.
There are several steps one may take to lessen the account breach damage and stop identity thieves from getting access to money, credit reports, and other private data leaks.
1. Verify the breach occurred (but be cautious of emails)
Data breach news or an email from the hackers to the afflicted organization is where they are most likely to learn that they have been compromised.
Companies are required by state law to report data breaches. Unfortunately, some hackers take advantage of these emails even when there hasn’t been a data leak to steal personal information.
Phishing emails, or fake data breach emails, make use of our anxiety and emotional reaction to hacks to persuade people to take illogical actions.
2. Changing user passwords
Regular password changes are a good idea, but in the wake of a data breach, it’s crucial to change the passwords to something strong, safe, and distinctive.
People should also use more than one “password,” to prevent account breaches.
A unique password should not be used for all of the online accounts.
A “strong” password often consists of at least 8 characters, and a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols is suggested to avoid data breaches.
Think about utilizing a password manager to help you create and manage your passwords.
3. Start two-factor authentication
Whenever possible, enroll in two-factor authentication (2FA, commonly known as “two-step verification”) in addition to updating the passwords.
Many sites, like Gmail and Facebook, now provide this extra degree of protection to prevent account breaches for account logins.
To access the online account with two-factor authentication, the user will need to input an extra form of identity, such as a code sent to their phone.
This means that even if hackers manage to account breach and get their hands on the email and password, they won’t be able to access the account without the additional identity-verification step.
4. Lock up your credit
Freezing credit is another action one may take, regardless of whether one was impacted by a data leak incident or not.
If the credit is blocked, identity thieves cannot register new accounts using the same name, even if they have access to all the user’s personal information.
5. Observe other accounts for any strange behavior
Once sensitive data has been exposed in a data breach, it may be used for identity theft and other types of fraud.
The data may not be protected even if a corporation claims the data leak has been fixed.
Following a data breach, pay close attention to –
- Suspicious activities on the bank statements and internet accounts. This includes unauthorized charges to users’ credit or debit cards or strange behavior in the bank account.
- new accounts opened in the user’s name, more debt, and strange credit queries.
- Unusual phone calls, emails, messages, or letters Be on the lookout for any odd account breach activities, such as unsuccessful login attempts or collection calls for strange invoices.
Data breaches are a common problem in today’s world, and that’s why taking preventive measures against a data breach is necessary.
Hiring a security expert like Exabytes Security Solution is more affordable than losing the important data of the company.
Businesses can get Acronis Cyber Protect solution to prevent data leaks and data breaches.
Get a counseling call about data breach safety from our experts. Contact us now.
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