What is data leakage?
Data leakage refers to the accidental exposure of sensitive information to individuals who are not authorized to access it. For instance, improperly configured cloud storage can leave personally identifiable information (PII) or proprietary business data publicly accessible. Human error is one of the leading causes of data leakage, such as employees losing devices or sharing confidential details through email or messaging apps. Once exposed, this information can be exploited by cybercriminals for identity theft, credit card fraud, or sold on the dark web.
Data leaks vs. data breaches
A data leak is typically unintentional and results from weak security controls, misconfigurations, or poor data handling practices. A data breach, on the other hand, usually involves a deliberate and targeted cyberattack. While leaks may start accidentally, they still expose sensitive data and can create opportunities for attackers. In many cases, a data leak can escalate into a full data breach, leading to significant financial losses, legal consequences, and damage to an organization’s reputation.
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