Data Leak
This threat is probably the only one in the course that the user cannot significantly influence, yet at the same time, a data leak can seriously affect the life of its victim.
What is a leak? Let's consider a data leak through the story of an ordinary user, Alexander. Alexander used a dating site, posted photos there, had heartfelt conversations with interesting people, shared intimate details, all while being married. Over time, years took their toll, Alexander settled down, deleted his profile on the dating site, and lived a peaceful family life.
But Alexander did not take into account that deleting a profile is nothing more than a visual fiction, and all his uploaded photos, data, and conversations are still stored in the site's database. Then one day, hackers hacked the dating site, stole the database, and put it up for sale on the darknet.
Who is to blame? The system administrator of the dating site and its management took all necessary measures: regular independent audits, timely updates of all components, high-class specialists, and a strict security policy for all employees. But this did not help, just as it did not help in many other stories.
Why is a data leak important for everyone?
The theft of personal data leads to fraud, financial machinations, fraudulent actions on behalf of the victim, spam, phishing, theft of personal funds, etc. And the leak of accounts can lead to temporary or permanent loss of access to various services and platforms.
How companies are changing their budgets and priorities to protect their assets and customers from cyberattacks
- 63 percent of companies have implemented a biometric system or plan to implement one. Security budgets increased by an average of 6% in 2023 compared to a 17% increase in the previous budget cycle.
- In 2023, IT budgets increased in 40 percent of organizations, with cybersecurity becoming one of the main categories for increased investment.
- It has been predicted that global spending on cybersecurity will exceed $1.75 trillion from 2021 to 2025.