How to Understand Data Breaches

The 2025 Verizon Business Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) is here, and it delivers critical insights into the shifting cybersecurity landscape. For Enterprise and Public Sector business decision-makers, understanding these trends is crucial for protecting your organizations and the communities we serve. Here are some key findings from the report that rose to the top for me: - Exploitation of Vulnerabilities Surges: A 34% increase in vulnerability exploitation, with a focus on zero-day exploits targeting perimeter devices and VPNs, demands heightened vigilance and proactive patching strategies. - Ransomware Remains a Persistent Threat: Ransomware attacks have risen by 37%, now present in 44% of breaches. Enterprise and Public Sector entities must bolster their defenses and incident response capabilities. - Third-Party Risks Double: Breaches involving third parties have doubled, highlighting the critical importance of supply chain security and robust vendor management programs. - Espionage-Motivated Attacks Rise: We're seeing an alarming rise in espionage-motivated attacks in sectors like Manufacturing and Healthcare, as well as persistent threats in Education, Finance, and Retail. Public Sector entities are also at risk. - Credential Abuse Continues: Credential abuse remains a leading attack vector, emphasizing the need for strong authentication, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring. For Enterprise and Public Sector organizations, these findings underscore the need for a multi-layered defense strategy, including: - Robust Vulnerability Management: Implement timely patching and vulnerability scanning. - Enhanced Security Awareness Training: Address the human element and reduce susceptibility to social engineering. - Strengthened Third-Party Risk Management: Thoroughly vet and monitor vendors and partners. - Advanced Threat Detection and Response: Invest in technologies and processes to detect and respond to threats quickly. The 2025 DBIR provides actionable insights to help us navigate these challenges. To dive deeper into the findings and learn how to enhance your organization's security posture, visit: https://lnkd.in/eXdHUYVM #Cybersecurity #DataBreach #EnterpriseSecurity #PublicSector #DBIR #Ransomware #ThreatIntelligence #VerizonBusiness #PublicSectorSecurity Verizon Jonathan Nikols | Daniel Lawson | Robert Le Busque | Sanjiv Gossain | Maggie Hallbach | Don Mercier | Chris Novak | Alistair Neil | Ashish Khanna | Alex Pinto | David Hylender | Suzanne Widup | Philippe Langlois | Nasrin Rezai | Iris Meijer

🔑 Key Insights from the 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report: A Must-Read for Cybersecurity Professionals The 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) offers a comprehensive analysis of the latest trends in cyber threats. Here are some critical takeaways: 1. Rise in Vulnerability Exploits: There has been a staggering 180% increase in breaches initiated through vulnerability exploitation, particularly affecting web applications. This highlights the urgent need for robust patch management and continuous monitoring. 2. Ransomware and Extortion Dominance: Ransomware, along with newer extortion techniques, accounted for nearly one-third of all breaches. These threats remain pervasive across 92% of industries, emphasizing the importance of proactive defense strategies and incident response planning. 3. Human Element in Breaches: The report reveals that 68% of breaches involved human factors, excluding malicious privilege misuse. This underscores the necessity for effective security awareness training and robust internal controls to mitigate human error. 4. Increased Focus on Third-Party Risks: Breaches involving third-party infrastructure and software vulnerabilities have surged by 68%, accounting for 15% of incidents. This trend calls for a more stringent evaluation of vendor security practices and third-party risk management. 5. Industry-Specific Threats: The DBIR provides detailed insights into how different sectors are targeted. For instance, the healthcare and financial services sectors continue to face sophisticated attacks, demanding tailored security measures. 6. Phishing Persistence: Phishing remains a significant threat, with rapid user response times to malicious links. The median time to click on a phishing link is under 60 seconds, necessitating enhanced email security and user training. 7. Global Incident Data: The report analyzed over 30,000 security incidents from 94 countries, offering a global perspective on cyber threats and helping organizations benchmark their security postures against industry standards. For cybersecurity professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve, the DBIR is an invaluable resource that provides actionable insights and helps in strengthening defenses against evolving threats. 💡Educate yourself, stay vigilant, and share to strengthen our collective defense! 🌐 Download the report from verizon[.]com/dbir #Cybersecurity #DataBreach #CyberManDan

So with the Volkswagen data breach let’s dissect how GRC plays a role and what you can learn — • The breach was caused by unsecured Amazon cloud storage. This ties into the importance of learning cloud security fundamentals, such as access control policies, encryption techniques, and continuous monitoring. (Consider studying tools like AWS IAM, CloudTrail, or Config for auditing cloud environments.) • The exposed geolocation and sensitive personal information underline the need for strong encryption standards and data anonymization. Learning about data privacy frameworks (like GDPR or CCPA) is essential to ensure compliance and prevent such incidents. (You can explore certifications like CIPT or practical knowledge of encryption tools like OpenSSL.) • A delay in identifying and addressing the breach reveals gaps in incident response. Understanding the NIST Incident Response Framework or studying tools like Splunk for Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) can be invaluable. (This is where technical GRC intersects with proactive monitoring and mitigation.) • This breach also emphasizes the need for strong third-party risk management practices. So questions like “What controls are in place for vendor data?” or “How often do we conduct vendor audits?” become crucial. (Consider studying frameworks like ISO 27036 or practical tools like OneTrust for managing vendor risks.) • Volkswagen’s exposure of personal data brings regulatory scrutiny. Non-technical GRC professionals might work on ensuring policies and training programs align with global privacy laws. (Researching GDPR’s Article 5 on data minimization and confidentiality could be a starting point.) • The public and regulatory bodies must be informed quickly and effectively. This highlights the soft skills GRC professionals need: clear communication, structured reporting, and stakeholder management. (Practice drafting incident communication templates as part of your learning.) Learning opportunities: • Study cloud security basics (AWS or Azure security courses), practice with SIEM tools, and understand encryption protocols. Certifications like AWS Security or Security+ can add value. • Focus on understanding data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA), vendor risk frameworks, and organizational change management. Consider certifications like CIPP/E for privacy or CISA for audit and compliance. • Develop skills in risk communication, stakeholder management, and building cross-functional incident response plans. These will ensure you can bridge the gap between technical teams and leadership effectively. The Volkswagen breach shows how GRC is a balance of technical and strong policy implementation. https://lnkd.in/eZn6PyUy

Inside the Breach: What the 2025 Verizon DBIR Warns About Our Failing Cyber Defenses The 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report delivers one of the most comprehensive looks yet into the evolving threat landscape, and the findings should concern every organization handling sensitive data. With over 22,000 incidents analyzed and more than 12,000 confirmed breaches across 139 countries, this report isn’t just about numbers—it’s a snapshot of where cyber risk is headed and how fast it’s accelerating. From vulnerability exploits to supply chain breakdowns, the scope is global, and the risks are intensifying. One of the most alarming trends is the continued rise of ransomware, which now appears in nearly half of all breaches. Simultaneously, exploitation of vulnerabilities—particularly in edge devices and remote access tools—has surged, making up a significant portion of attack vectors. Add to this the doubling of third-party-related breaches, and it's clear that supply chain risk is no longer a future concern; it's a current crisis. Missteps in configuration and social engineering continue to haunt organizations, revealing that despite automation advances, human error still drives a majority of breaches. Perhaps most pressing is the emergence of generative AI as a double-edged sword. While it’s revolutionizing business, its unregulated use introduces massive data exposure risks. Cybercriminals are already testing GenAI in phishing and influence operations, while nation-state actors are moving from spying to full-on data theft. The message is clear: the threat landscape is growing in scale and sophistication. Organizations must act decisively—tighten access, secure credentials, enforce AI policies, and invest in real cyber resilience before the next breach strikes. #cybersecurity #VerizonDBIR2025 #trends #riskmanagement

Webb v. Injured Workers Pharmacy, LLC: A Turning Point for Privacy Tort Cases The outcomes of the Webb case could heighten businesses' risk of class action lawsuits after data security incidents and ignite more litigation, particularly in consumer data privacy claims. This decision is a guide for companies and their legal teams to minimize litigation risk in privacy and data breach cases. It has also changed the significance of privacy torts by reevaluating the concrete nature of certain intangible harms.  Appropriation * In Webb, the court ruled that alleged actual misuse of Webb's PII suffices to establish a concrete injury. The misuse aligns with the invasion of privacy based on appropriation of another's identity.  * The court found the Anderson case useful, where plaintiffs' mitigation costs due to a serious data breach constituted harm under Maine law.  Risk of Future Misuse * The court held that the complaint plausibly alleged a concrete injury due to the risk of future misuse of PII. The nature of the data breach and the lost time spent on protective measures contributed to this concrete harm.  Breach of Confidence and Invasion of Privacy * The court didn't decide if the exposure of plaintiffs' PII in the breach was an intangible harm sufficient to confer standing. This invites future plaintiffs to argue that certain data breach injuries are related to traditional intangible harms. Privacy & Data Security Lessons for Businesses Considering the First Circuit’s analysis, companies should reevaluate their privacy and data security practices and update their incident response plans. This includes the following measures: 1. Timely Notification: Companies must notify all affected customers effectively and in compliance with applicable deadlines. 2. Customer Support: Companies should adopt measures to ease customer anxiety over potential or actual misuse of sensitive personal data. 3. Dispute Resolution: Examining dispute resolution terms with customers could minimize the risk of class action litigation and mass arbitration. 4. Record-Keeping Process: A meticulous record-keeping process for communications with affected customers is vital for later litigation or arbitration. To prevent data security incidents and avoid potential litigation, companies can implement the following security controls: 1. Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data, both at rest and in transit, makes it unreadable to unauthorized individuals even if they gain access. 2. Multi-Factor Authentication: This additional layer of security requires users to provide two or more forms of identification before gaining access. 3. Regular Security Audits: Regular audits can help identify vulnerabilities and ensure that security measures remain effective as technology and potential threats evolve. #privacy #cybersecurity #law

💡 By popular demand, Debbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva", shares the article: Data Privacy Blindspots: Identifying and Overcoming Hidden Data Risks💡 The September 2024 article from "The Data Privacy Advantage" Newsletter is here! 🌐📬 This month's focus is exploring and overcoming Data Privacy Blindspots. 👇These blindspots include: 1️⃣ Unstructured Data: The Sleeping Giant Organizations often focus their Data Privacy efforts on structured data within systems and databases, but what about the unstructured data—Word documents, PDFs, images, videos, spreadsheets, presentations, and more—that makes up 70-80% of organizational data? Unstructured data is often left unclassified and unmanaged, creating a massive blindspot. 🚩 Risks: Personal or sensitive data may be hidden in unstructured formats, making tracking, protecting, and securing difficult. The sheer volume of unstructured data, stored in multiple locations (cloud, file shares, devices), can create gaps in visibility, making data breaches more likely. 2️⃣ Data Duplication: The Silent Risk Multiplier Another significant blindspot is data duplication, where copies of sensitive data proliferate across multiple systems. This duplication often happens inadvertently; every duplicate increases the risk of data breaches. 🚩 Risks: Duplicate copies of data spread across unstructured environments, away from secure systems, multiplying breach points. Compliance with regulations becomes difficult as organizations lose track of where personal data is stored and duplicated. 3️⃣ Legacy Data: The Forgotten Data Risk Organizations often hold on to legacy data—older, outdated data that has little business value but poses high Data Privacy risks. This data can reside on outdated systems with insufficient protections. 🚩 Risks: Legacy data may no longer be needed but is still retained, leading to risks of breaches and non-compliance with modern privacy regulations. Outdated systems housing legacy data may lack security updates, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. 💡 Takeaway: Addressing these Data Privacy blindspots—unstructured data, data duplication, and legacy data—is essential for protecting your organization’s sensitive information and maintaining compliance with ever-evolving regulations. By identifying and managing these risks, organizations can turn potential threats into a competitive advantage, showing consumers and regulators that Data Privacy is a top priority. ✅Don't miss out on these critical insights and solutions! 👇Download a PDF of this article. #privacy #cybersecurity#DataPrivacy #Cybersecurity #DataRisks #DataGovernance #PrivacyManagement #DataDiva Debbie Reynolds Consulting, LLC Data Diva Media We help organizations gain a business advantage by navigating the intricacies of Data Privacy and Emerging Technologies.

Help! I’ve been breached 🚨   You’ve been breached. It’s the moment every IT professional dreads. But instead of spiralling into panic, let’s tackle this head-on with some strategic tips that I’ve picked up during my time in the industry.   Step 1: Assemble Your Response Team ⚔ Activate your incident response team immediately. This includes your IT experts and legal counsel. Having a well-prepared plan isn’t just useful; it’s essential.    Step 2: Engage Forensic Experts 🔎 Bring in an independent forensic team. These digital detectives will help you understand the extent of the breach and gather critical evidence without contaminating the scene. Think of them as the CSI for your data-center.   Step 3: Contain the Breach 💢 Isolate affected systems to prevent the breach from spreading. However, avoid shutting down machines until your forensic team arrives, as this could destroy valuable evidence. Change all passwords and review access logs to cut off unauthorized access.   Step 4: Notify Legal and Regulatory Bodies 📜 Contact your legal team to guide you through compliance and potential legal issues. Depending on the data compromised, different regulatory bodies may need to be informed. Adhering to state and federal notification laws is crucial to avoid further complications.   Step 5: Communicate Transparently 👓 Develop a clear communication strategy to inform all affected parties, including customers, employees, and stakeholders. Provide accurate details about the breach, the steps being taken to address it, and how it impacts them. Honesty and transparency are key to maintaining trust.   Step 6: Strengthen Your Defences 💪 After managing the immediate crisis, review your security measures thoroughly. Implement stronger protocols where vulnerabilities were found. Regular training for employees and continuous monitoring of systems will help safeguard against future breaches.   By following these steps, you can manage the crisis and emerge more resilient and better prepared for the future.   Want to speak further about this topic? I am looking for CyberSecurity professionals and would love to connect and speak further! 💻🔐. #cybersecurity #breach #toptips

What should a company do when its data appears on the dark web? ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ Imagine getting a call from law enforcement 👮♂️ … You are informed that your company’s data (or its consumer’s data) was found somewhere on the #darkweb. How would you feel? What do you do first? Who do you tell? Here’s some help: First, understand the type of data that may be at issue. If the breach involves third-party services (e.g., a SaaS ‘s provider’s list of email usernames or information available on LinkedIn), no in-depth investigation may be needed. Companies may notify users and advise them to avoid reusing compromised passwords. If the exposed data involves internal credentials, engage counsel and start an investigation. Check logs for signs of compromise. Investigate devices (especially company-owned laptops) for malware or info-stealers. If personal devices are involved, ensure passwords are reset. For breaches involving multiple individuals or unclear origins, escalate the investigations using threat intelligence and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Next, some basic Incident Response action items: ✔️ Reset passwords for affected users and systems. ✔️ Investigate logins for unusual activity, persistence mechanisms (e.g., third-party app registrations, suspicious email forwarding rules). ✔️ Contain and remediate any detected compromise ✔️ Improve policies and controls to prevent recurrence: • Implement stricter password policies • Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) and disable legacy protocols • Enhance monitoring capabilities using, MDR, SOC, SIEM Not all data found on the dark web is recent or actionable; some may be outdated or irrelevant (e.g., old FTP leaks or obsolete credentials). The company’s response should depend on the nature of the data—isolated user credentials versus an entire database will warrant different levels of investigation and response. Don’t forget: your investigation includes asking vendors or third parties for explanations if their systems contributed to the #breach. Let us know if you or your company wants to talk more about this frequent issue. Pierson Ferdinand LLP #privacy #cyber

When a $67B company with strong financials and global recognition becomes the target of a sophisticated cybersecurity breach, every business leader should take note. The recent incident involving Coinbase, external threat actors accessed sensitive internal data by bribing overseas contractors, underscores a reality that’s often underestimated: your weakest security link might not be a firewall, but a person. Despite having top-tier resources and monitoring systems, Coinbase still faced a ransom threat tied to employee vulnerability. The breach didn’t touch funds or passwords, but it did expose detailed personal and corporate data — the kind of information that can cascade into serious downstream risks. What can leadership teams take away from this? 1. Trust is not a substitute for training. Insider threats — whether coerced, bribed, or negligent — are real. 2. Third-party relationships demand constant scrutiny. Vetting vendors is not a one-and-done task. 3. Crisis response readiness should be a KPI. How quickly and transparently you respond can determine long-term reputational impact? Few action steps for leadership: - Conduct a fresh audit of third-party access points. - Review internal fraud-prevention protocols and training. - Simulate a breach scenario (TTX) and learn where your playbook needs sharpening. Security is no longer just an IT concern. It’s a boardroom conversation. #cybersecuritynews #cybersecurity #infosec #breach https://lnkd.in/dNvMC8wP