Types of breaches

Breaches are not only restricted to data branches. They can occur in various forms, including security, environmental, and email breaches, among others. Additionally, one type of breach can sometimes lead to another.

Data breaches

Data breaches involve the unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information. These breaches can affect individuals, businesses, and even governments.

• Personal information breach: Unauthorized exposure of personally identifiable information (PII) such as names, Social Security numbers, and contact details.
• Health information breach: In the healthcare sector, breaches of protected health information (PHI) violate regulations like HIPAA, often leading to fines and reputational damage.
• Financial data breach: These breaches involve credit card details, bank account numbers, and financial transaction histories.

Example

Earlier this year, Change Healthcare experienced a data breach that affected the sensitive patient information and operational systems of more than 100 million Americans. The stolen data included sensitive details such as health insurance information, medical records, Social Security numbers, and financial data.

Security breaches

Security breaches occur when hackers bypass security measures to access systems, networks, or devices.

• Network breach: Cybercriminals infiltrate secured networks to steal or manipulate data.
• Device breach: Laptops, smartphones, or IoT devices can be hacked, compromising sensitive data.
• Cloud security breach: With more businesses relying on cloud storage, unauthorized access to cloud-based data has become a significant risk.

Example

In 2022, AT&T experienced a significant security breach when hackers accessed and stole sensitive information from its customers in the USA and Canada. The breach stemmed from a vulnerability in one of the company’s third-party vendors. Hackers exploited this weakness to access a database containing customer details such as names, account numbers, and phone numbers.

Physical breaches

Physical security breaches are less discussed but equally damaging, particularly in industries where sensitive information is stored on-site.

• Unauthorized access: Break-ins to data centers, offices, or facilities housing critical systems.
• Lost or stolen devices: Laptops, USB drives, and smartphones containing unencrypted data can lead to significant breaches.

Example

A lost laptop containing unencrypted patient records could violate HIPAA regulations and lead to hefty penalties for a healthcare provider.

Compliance breaches

Organizations must adhere to strict regulatory frameworks. Compliance breaches occur when these regulations are violated.

• Regulatory non-compliance: Failing to meet standards like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS can result in penalties and loss of customer trust.
• Contract breaches: Violating agreements related to data privacy or handling can damage partnerships and reputations.

Example

British Airways was fined $230 million in 2019 for a GDPR violation following a breach that exposed customer payment details.

Confidentiality breaches

Confidentiality breaches undermine trust and can have legal implications.

• Accidental disclosure: Misaddressed emails, unprotected files, or careless communication can expose sensitive data.
• Insider threats: Employees, contractors, or third-party vendors may mishandle or deliberately leak confidential information.

Example

According to Healthcare IT News, Geisinger, part of Risant Health, experienced a data breach after not revoking a former employee's access.

Integrity breaches

Integrity breaches occur when information is altered without authorization, compromising its accuracy and reliability.

• Data tampering: Malicious actors may alter financial records, medical data, or other critical information.
• System alterations: Software or database modifications can lead to corrupted systems.

Example

Tampering with laboratory results in the healthcare sector could lead to misdiagnoses and severe patient outcomes.

Availability breaches

Availability breaches prevent access to data or systems, often disrupting operations.

• Denial of Service (DoS): Attackers overload systems, making them inaccessible.
• Ransomware attacks: Criminals encrypt systems and demand payment to restore access.
  

Example

American Associated Pharmacies was reportedly targeted by Embargo, who allegedly encrypted its systems and stole 1.5TB of sensitive data, demanding an additional $1.3 million.

Go deeper: AAP hit by ransomware: Attackers demand double payment

Email breaches

Email is a common entry point for cyberattacks, with tactics evolving continuously.

• Phishing: Attackers impersonate trusted entities to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
• Business email compromise (BEC): Fraudulent emails manipulate organizations into transferring money or sharing data.
  

Example

On 12 August 2024, Linus Sebastian fell victim to a phishing attack that resulted in the Linus Tech Tips (LTT) X (Twitter) account being compromized.

Go deeper: Linus Tech Tips X (Twitter) account hacked, again 

Environmental breaches

Natural disasters and environmental incidents can lead to breaches by physically damaging systems or infrastructure.

• Disaster-induced breaches: Floods, fires, or earthquakes can destroy data storage facilities or systems.
• Power outages: Sudden power failures can cause data loss or system malfunctions.
  

Example

A flood in a data center can result in the loss of critical records.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

FAQs

Are breaches preventable?

While no system is completely immune, organizations can reduce the risk by:

• Implementing robust cybersecurity practices.
• Conducting regular audits and penetration tests.
• Training employees to recognize phishing attempts.

How can individuals protect themselves from breaches?

• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Be cautious of phishing emails or suspicious links.
• Regularly update software and operating systems.