What Is the Cause of the Majority of Data Breaches?

Consumers trust corporations and agencies with many important pieces of their personal information. Banks, insurance companies, and other businesses have access to the private data of their customers. 

When a company has inadequate cybersecurity, it may put consumers at risk of loss. Data breaches can result in identity theft, personal harassment, and unintended costs.  

Negligent businesses and corporations should be held responsible for the harm resulting from avoidable data breaches. Companies have an obligation to ask, “What is the cause of the majority of data breaches and how can we prevent them?” 

If you have been negatively affected by a data breach, speak with a skilled legal professional to explore your options. You may be owed significant financial compensation for the losses and expenses you experienced. 

The accomplished data privacy attorneys at Morgan & Morgan have years of experience fighting for the rights of victims. We have overseen many complex data breach cases. 

Our team can help you pursue every dime you are entitled to. You should not be stuck with the losses resulting from a data breach caused by a company’s negligence. 

The knowledgeable professionals at Morgan and Morgan will leverage the evidence in your case to get you the money you deserve. Fill out the contact form on our website today to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation legal case evaluation.

Has My Data Been Compromised?

Many consumers don’t know how to find out whether their data has been compromised. When a hacker has stolen your information from a company or institution, they will likely use it in one of several ways.  

Some of the most common indicators that your data or personal information have been stolen include: 

• Unauthorized charges on your credit card
• Rejection of an electronically filed tax return
• Unauthorized withdrawals from your bank accounts
• Unexpected denial of applications for new lines of credit
• Errors on your credit history, credit score, or credit report
• Mail regarding an unknown credit card or charge account
• Notices and calls from collection agencies you do not recognize

These are only a few examples of signs that your data has been breached. Often, victims of identity theft and data breaches do not realize that it has happened until they have been financially harmed.

Common Causes of Data Breaches

Many victims of identity theft wonder, “What is the cause of the majority of data breaches?” Hackers and those engaging in digital theft have many tools at their disposal. 

There are numerous ways that criminals can steal the personal information and financial data of consumers. Some of the most common methods are:

Inadequate Online Security Systems

Hackers sometimes trade information among themselves. When a cybersecurity system has been in place for an extended period, hackers may find ways to infiltrate it. Because of this, companies and institutions must regularly upgrade and maintain their security systems. This helps protect customer data and information.  

Updating digital security systems is expensive and time-consuming. Some disreputable businesses fail to maintain adequate security measures to keep their clients’ information safe. 

When a company is negligent in this way, a data breach becomes more likely. Companies that are reliant on outdated and inadequate cybersecurity are prime targets for those hoping to take advantage of consumers. 

If you were harmed because a company failed to have adequate security in place, contact Morgan & Morgan. We have the knowledge and skills to handle cases involving cybersecurity breaches. Negligent corporations should be held legally responsible for the harm that their carelessness causes consumers.

Malware Attacks

Malware is a type of malicious software. It is designed to harm computer systems and steal sensitive or personal information. Malware data breaches occur when an unauthorized party gains access to private data, including:  

• Personal data like Social Security numbers
• Login credentials like usernames and passwords
• Financial information like bank account data or pin numbers

Malware is a common method used by hackers to recover private data. This dangerous software can be introduced to a company’s computer system in various ways.  

Once the software infiltrates the business’s network, it can replicate itself and begin collecting sensitive information. Hackers can then use the breached data to take funds and other resources from unsuspecting consumers. 

Businesses and institutions have a duty to protect their customers from malware data breaches. If a party’s negligence resulted in this type of breach, they may owe victims substantial compensation.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a specific type of malware. This damaging software blocks a user’s access to their own account or device until they pay ransom to the perpetrator. This malware is often introduced to a computer system through a “Trojan horse,” which is a type of malware disguised as a legitimate software program.  

Ransomware is often spread through email attachments, instant messages, and other digital communications. A Trojan horse malware program appears to be harmless or useful software, but it contains malicious code that allows hackers to gain unauthorized access to users’ computers or networks.  

Once the Trojan horse is installed, the attacker can steal sensitive information. They can also spy on the user’s digital activity, install more malware, and perform other malicious actions. 

Decommissioned Computer Assets

Businesses often dispose of old computer hardware when it is no longer useful. However, they must be careful to decommission IT assets in a safe and proper manner. 

This is because old hardware sometimes still contains clients’ sensitive information and data. Some examples of the assets that businesses decommission include: 

• Network equipment
• Desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• Printers
• Servers

If a business or other professional entity does not take proper care when retiring outdated IT assets, it may result in harmful outcomes. When a bad actor obtains unsecured IT assets from a company, they may be able to recover consumers’ private data.

Can Businesses Be Held Accountable for Data Breaches?

Whatever the cause of the data breach, negligent companies can be held legally responsible for the resulting damage. However, not every breach is the fault or responsibility of the relevant business or entity.  

In other words, successful data breach lawsuits require the plaintiff to prove that the business behaved negligently. Companies may be held accountable for data breaches if any of the following conditions apply:

• The company failed to notify customers about the breach
• The company bore direct responsibility for the data breach 
• The company failed to maintain legally required security systems
• The company failed to mitigate any harm resulting from the breach

Although companies are victimized by hackers, so are their clients. Legally, businesses have a duty to protect their customers from attacks by third parties. When a company fails to fulfill this duty, it can be held liable for the resulting financial harm.

Steps to Prevent Data Breaches

There are several effective strategies that consumers can employ to protect themselves from data breaches and identity theft. However, there is not much that individuals can do to keep their information safe from third-party attacks against companies. 

Still, the following steps are useful for preventing individual data theft:

Create Strong Passwords

When you establish an account with a business or other digital entity, it is critical to use complex passwords. Unique passwords for each of your digital accounts will help you keep your information safe.  

There are various password manager programs that will help you keep your passwords distinct and complex enough to prevent hacking. Using the same simple password for multiple accounts makes your data vulnerable.

Use Updated Software

Regularly updating the software on your digital devices will give you the best chance of preventing hacks. Outdated software is often vulnerable to a variety of hacking techniques. 

Also, updated software may contain fixes for bugs and vulnerabilities. Businesses and companies should rely on the latest version of any software that protects their customers’ important information.

Watch Out for Suspicious Emails

When you receive an email from an account you do not recognize, be wary. It may contain malware or other attempts to breach your data. This type of social engineering digital attack strategy is called “phishing.”

When an attacker fools the victim into opening a malicious file, message, or program, they may gain access to vital information. These attacks are often used to gain entrance into the computer systems of corporations or government entities. 

These are only a few examples of the steps individuals should take to protect their data. If another party is responsible for the loss or breach of your personal information, you may be entitled to financial recovery.  

Do not allow negligent and careless corporations to go unaccountable for the harm you sustained. Reach out to the accomplished litigators at Morgan & Morgan to pursue justice in your data privacy case.