The Causes and Effects of Data Breach

According to data loss open security there were more than 500 cases of data breach were recorded in the year of 2008.These data breach cases are increasing as days are passing. Not many of the record loss cases are reported or catch the attention of the media and other sources. The biggest data loss incident was about TJX’s loss of details of 94 million credit cards and costumer details as per data loss open security. The cost of data loss is extremely difficult to estimate. The reported number of data breach cases is just the tip of the iceberg; the majority of such cases never grab anyone’s attention. In the present year, more than 1400 cases of data leakage have been reported, it is a clear indication that threat to records have been increasing day by day.

Over the past decade or so, companies have got aware of the importance of data security. They have invested a reasonable sum of money to prevent data theft. They are trying to enhance their record’s security physically, such as; better screening system over data, increasing security around their database and using data breach prevention tools. One of the major threat to data security from the portable data storing devices like USB flash drive, memory cards, CDs and DVDs and external hard drives. Almost 40 percent of the data loss occurs due to the theft or misplaces portable data storage. Another interesting fact is that more than 20 percent of the data is leaked by organization’s own employees. They usually plug in their portable drives and copy data on them. This breach can be restricted by using copy protection software.

The cost of data loss is immeasurable; however, loss of goodwill is the biggest effect of data breach. Another impact on business occur due to data loss is the decline of share value. Businesses try to hide any sort of breach of data as they are more concerned for their reputation. If any news about loss of records of the company leaks in the market, it can harm company’s character big time. There is a fear of losing the sympathy of their clients in case of any mishap regarding data security. The effect of such data breach can be so severe that firms opt to change their business completely. But not small investors have this option to get their way out.

Organizations should be aware of the measures that they are taking for the security of their records. In the economic cycle, the recession period is a season for data theft and breach. Companies should at least keep their data security software and security measures up to date. Currently recession phase is on—a number of attempts to steal data have been reported. Another kind of data breach that companies suffer is from their ex-employees. They take business’ sensitive information with them; sometimes intend to sell them to the rivals and other time just accidentally they forget to return it.

IT department of companies has a major role to play here; they should track all the activities regarding companies’ record. Effective measures to make sensitive information inaccessible from prying eyes ought to be taken. Organizations are advised to keep lesser data in their database, only needed and essential data should be kept in computers’ memory. When the purpose of a file or folder is accomplished it should be transferred to some other storing place.

For more information please visit:

http://www.newsoftwares.net/copy-protect/