When an individual accesses confidential, secure, or sensitive information online without the permission of an authorized person, it is termed a data breach. Rather than being viewed merely as a technical issue, it is classified as a serious crime.
How Do Data Breaches Happen?
Cybercriminals rarely “hack” their way in like movie villains. They usually take the path of least resistance:
- AI-Enhanced Phishing: Tricking employees via hyper-realistic emails or messages to reveal credentials.
- Stolen Credentials: Buying exposed login details on dark web forums or harvesting them via info-stealer malware.
- Software Vulnerabilities: Exploiting unpatched, outdated systems or zero-day flaws
- Third-Party/Supply Chain Risk: Infiltrating a target by first compromising a smaller, less-secure vendor.
