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4 Types of Data Loss Attacks and How to Avoid Them

March 25th, 2024 | 4 min. read

By Jordan Pioth

Business man working on computer rubbing eyes

If your organization has poor network security, it can result in vulnerabilities that lead to cyberattacks.

Cyberattacks can cost your organization hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair your network and in some cases can cause permanent damage to your network or data.

Because of this, reliable network security should be a priority for all organizations to avoid these consequences.

Fortunately, there are many network security services and solutions available that attempt to address these issues. However, this can make it difficult to determine which solutions and services are the right choice for your organization.

Coeo understands how important reliable network security is to an organization and has delivered thousands of network security services and solutions to improve security and prevent cyberattacks.

By the end of this article, you will understand what data loss is, four types of data loss attacks, and how to avoid them.

What is a data breach?

A data breach is a security incident where unauthorized users gain access to your network and sensitive data.

These attacks can be carried out to steal sensitive and confidential information such as personal data including social security numbers, healthcare or corporate data, and customer and financial information.

The term “data breaches” can sometimes be used interchangeably with cyberattacks; however, they are different.

Data breaches are attacks that are conducted to steal personal or corporate data whereas cyberattacks are not always conducted to steal data. Some cyberattacks are conducted simply to disrupt an organization or for ransom payments.

If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about data breaches and network security or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.TALK TO AN EXPERT

Different types of data breach attacks

Many different types of data breaches can disrupt an organization and cause damage to their network. The different types of data breach attacks include:

Ransomware attacks

Ransomware is a form of malware that attacks a computer and encrypts files or denies users access to their computers.

The attack locks your computer and files until you pay a ransom for them to be unlocked; hence the name ransomware.

Historically, most ransomware attacks targeted a single personal computer. Today, most human-driven ransomware can attack multiple computers within an organization to attempt to extort larger sums of money from entities more capable of paying the ransom.

Some attackers are sophisticated enough to go through a company’s financial documents and set a specific price based on the organization’s financial strength.

Data extortion

Data extortion is similar to a ransomware attack. However, instead of holding the data in the network and corrupting it, a data extortion attack holds sensitive data and threatens to release it.

This type of attack has become increasingly popular over the last few years. The consequences of this type of attack can be detrimental to an organization and it is important that reliable security solutions are put in place to avoid these attacks.

User error and insider threats

While it is important for security solutions and services to protect your network from outside threats, it is equally important to protect your network from internal users.

Sometimes employees can access malicious websites or download malicious files that result in attacks on their network. Occasionally, employees may be stealing information for themselves.

Additionally, an IT person in charge of monitoring network performance and security may mistakenly create vulnerabilities in your security solution due to human error.

For example, suppose your network is monitored by your IT team or an external provider. In that case, human error may result in someone doing something as simple as accidentally deleting code that can result in a network vulnerability.

Failed network systems or devices

Another type of attack can occur when your network system or devices fail causing malicious actors to enter your network and leak data to unauthorized users.

Because of this, it is important that your organization has a strong network connection and reliable network security. Additionally, it is a good idea to ensure your network has a backup connection to keep it functioning properly.

How to avoid data breaches and cyberattacks

Now you understand what a data breach is and the different types of data breaches that exist. However, it is important that you also understand how to prevent data breaches and cyberattacks so you can avoid the consequences they cause.

Some of the network solutions, services, and strategies that can help your organization avoid data breaches and cyberattacks include:

SASE

SASE is a cybersecurity network that provides cloud-based network connectivity and security.

SASE combines an SD-WAN solution with enhanced security features to provide an all-in-one cloud-based network solution that improves connectivity and security.

SASE identifies users and devices in the cloud network and applies policy-based security rules resulting in secure access to data regardless of where users are connecting from or what devices they are using.

This is a great solution if you are looking to secure your network when you have employees working in a remote or hybrid work environment.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a solution that incorporates security processes and technologies to monitor and control sensitive data helping to prevent malicious actors from entering your network and compromising sensitive data.

DLP solutions use various software tools and data privacy practices to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your network and compromising data.

A DLP solution works very well in a remote or hybrid work environment. DLP helps secure data in the network based on classifications no matter where the data resides for improved security in a remote work environment.

Avoiding data breaches and cyberattacks

Now you understand what a data breach is, the different types of data breaches, and how to avoid them. This will help you determine how to improve your network security to avoid cyberattacks and data breaches.

Cyberattacks can cost your organization hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair your network and in some cases cause permanent damage to your network. Additionally, data breaches can cause sensitive data to be compromised.

To avoid these issues, it is important for all organizations to prioritize reliable network connectivity and security.

Coeo understands how important reliable network security is and has delivered thousands of network security solutions to organizations to improve network security and help them avoid data breaches and cyberattacks.

We want you to understand what data breaches are and the tools that will prevent them from occurring in your network.

If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about data breaches and network security or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.TALK TO AN EXPERT

Now that you understand the different types of data breaches and the ways to avoid them, check out this article to learn about the top data loss prevention tools:

Jordan Pioth

When he's not creating content for Coeo, Jordan loves to watch sports, hang out with friends and family, and anything sneaker-related.