Whether it was an insider who stole customer information or a company website that accidentally exposed sensitive data, the impact of a data breach is serious and can be lasting. Aside from the obvious loss of customer trust and brand value, a data breach can trigger legal or regulatory requirements that may result in fines or penalties.
Data breaches are a growing threat. Attackers are targeting all types of businesses, from healthcare and financial institutions to retail and eCommerce. Bad actors are looking to steal personal or payment information for profit and/or to commit crimes like identity theft, insurance fraud and more. In addition, the growing number of connected devices is creating new vulnerabilities that are often difficult to detect and secure.
When a breach is detected, companies must take immediate steps to contain the incident. This includes identifying the source of the breach, containing it to limit its spread and impact, and taking measures to prevent future incidents.
Depending on the industry and location, enterprises must also notify affected individuals and regulatory bodies of the data breach. This can include providing information about the nature of the incident, details about the type of data that was compromised, and recommended actions for affected individuals.