Types of Security Breaches: How to protect yourself

A security breach is defined as any occurrence that results in unauthorized access to computer data, applications, networks, or devices. As a result, information is accessed without authorization. It often occurs when an invader is able to circumvent security systems(Security Breaches).

Technically, there is a distinction between a security breach and a data breach. A security breach is essentially a break-in, but a data breach is described as the cybercriminal obtaining information. Consider a burglar; the security breach is when he climbs through the window, and the data breach is when he steals your wallet or laptop and takes it away.

Types of security breaches

Depending on how access to the system was achieved, there are several forms of security breaches:

Exploit

An exploit targets a system flaw, such as an out-of-date operating system. Legacy systems that have not been upgraded, such as those used in enterprises that employ obsolete and no longer supported versions of Microsoft Windows, are particularly vulnerable to attacks.

Weak Password

Passwords with flaws can be cracked or guessed. Even today, some individuals use the password ‘password,’ and ‘pa$$word’ isn’t any more safe.

Malware Attacks:

Malware Attacks, such as phishing emails, can be used to infiltrate the system. It just takes one person to click on a link in a phishing email for harmful malware to proliferate across the network.

Drive Downloads

Drive-by downloads deploy viruses or malware via a hacked or fake website.

Social Engineer:

Access can also be gained through social engineering. For example, an intruder calls an employee and claims to be from the company’s IT helpdesk and requests the password in order to ‘repair’ the machine.

In the security breach cases we described above, a variety of tactics were utilized to acquire network access – Yahoo was hacked via a phishing assault, while Facebook was attacked through an exploit.

How to protect yourself against a security breach

Keep Password Strong

Use strong passwords that are made up of random sequences of upper and lowercase letters, digits, and symbols. They are far more difficult to hack than basic passwords. Passwords that are simple to guess, such as family names or birthdays, should not be used. To keep your passwords secure, use a Password Manager.

Use Different Password for different accounts

Use distinct passwords for each account. If you use the same password for all of your accounts, a hacker who obtains access to one will be able to access all of them. If they use separate passwords, just one account is at risk.

Close inactive accounts

Close inactive accounts rather than keeping them dormant. As a result, you are less vulnerable to a security compromise. If you don’t utilize an account, you may not notice it has been hacked, and it might serve as a back door to your other accounts.

Backup of Your Files

Make a backup of your files. Some data breaches result in file encryption and a ransomware demand to make them available to the user again. In the case of a breach, your data is safe if you keep a second backup on a portable disc.

Secure your computer

Secure your computer and other devices by using anti-virus and anti-malware software.
Kaspersky Antivirus is a good choice to keep your computer free from infection and ensure that hackers can’t get a foothold in your system.

secure HTTPS protocol

When accessing your accounts, make sure you use the secure HTTPS protocol rather than plain HTTP.

Track of your bank bills and credit reports

Keeping track of your bank bills and credit reports might help keep you secure. Stolen data might end up on the dark web years after it was stolen. This might imply that an attempt at identity theft occurs long after you’ve forgotten about the data leak that affected that account.

Conclusion

You’d never think of leaving your front door open all day for anyone to come in. Consider your PC in the same manner. Keep your network access and personal data private, and don’t leave any windows or doors open for a hacker to enter.