What caused the data breach?


Editorial team Published on

Data breaches are primarily caused by compromised credentials, human error, malicious cyberattacks, and system vulnerabilities.

Human Error and Internal Mistakes

  • Accidental exposure: Employees might email sensitive data to the wrong recipient or publish private files publicly.
  • Misconfigurations: Poorly configured cloud storage buckets, open databases, or weak access controls leave entry points wide open.
  • Lost or stolen hardware: Unencrypted laptops, phones, or USB drives left behind in public places can expose local files.

Malicious Attacks and Cyberthreats

  • Phishing and social engineering: Trickery convinces users to hand over login details or click malicious links.
  • Weak and stolen credentials: Hackers use stolen passwords or brute-force weak ones to impersonate legitimate users.
  • Malware and ransomware: Malicious software locks systems and extracts confidential records before a ransom is paid.

System and Third-Party Risks

  • Software vulnerabilities: Unpatched bugs or zero-day exploits grant unauthorized access points to bad actors.
  • Third-party vendors: Supply chain partners with weak security protocols can serve as a backdoor into a primary network.
  • Insider threats: Disgruntled or malicious employees abuse their authorized access to steal or expose data.

You can read more about attack patterns and prevention advice from IBM or explore Josys for a breakdown of technical root causes.