Data leaks are a major threat in today’s digital age. The unauthorized theft or disclosure of information from companies’ or organizations’ databases can have serious consequences. Such leaks can result in users’ personal information (name, address, phone number, credit card details, etc.) as well as trade secrets, financial data or strategic information being compromised. This damages the reputation of companies and individuals and can lead to financial losses. Furthermore, data leaks can lead to legal and regulatory violations and have serious legal consequences. Therefore, it is important for companies to work diligently on data security, implement strong cybersecurity measures and utilize the necessary technological solutions to protect data.
Big Data Leaks of Recent Years
Exposure to data leaks poses a number of dangers and risks for both individuals and companies. First, the theft or disclosure of personal information can lead to identity theft and fraud. Financial losses can occur through the compromise of credit card information, and it is possible for victims to suffer financial losses. In addition, companies’ reputations are severely damaged and customers’ trust is undermined. This can lead to loss of customers and revenue. Data leaks also lead to violations of legal and regulatory obligations and expose companies to criminal and civil problems. As a result, a strong cybersecurity infrastructure and effective measures against data leaks are vital to protect the data of companies and individuals. Data leakage methods have been frequently used in major attacks in recent years. Let’s take a look at some of the major data breaches in recent years.
Marriott International
Company: Marriott International
Date: 2018
Conclusion: Marriott International, a major hotel chain, faced a data breach in 2018. Attackers gained access to Marriott’s reservation systems and stole the personal information of 500 million customers. This included names, addresses, payment card details and passport numbers. This attack severely affected the reputation of both Marriott and its customers.
Company: Facebook
Date: 2018
Conclusion: Facebook is one of the world’s largest social media platforms and was hit by a massive data leak. Attackers gained access to Facebook users’ personal information through a third-party application and obtained the information of 87 million users. This attack was a major incident that shook Facebook’s reputation and undermined user trust.
Capital One
Company: Capital One
Date: 2019
Conclusion: Capital One is a major banking organization in the United States and was subject to a data leak attack. Attackers infiltrated Capital One’s systems and stole the personal information of 100 million customers. This included social security numbers, bank account numbers and loan application information. The attack was a serious incident that shook customer confidence and damaged the company’s reputation.
Yahoo
Company: Yahoo
Date: 2013-2014
Conclusion: Yahoo was one of the world’s largest internet companies and between 2013 and 2014, a series of attacks led to the theft of account information of 3 billion users. As a result of these attacks, important information such as users’ names, e-mail addresses, phone numbers and passwords were compromised. Yahoo’s reputation was severely damaged and user trust was diminished.
eBay
Company: eBay
Date: 2014
Conclusion: eBay is known as one of the world’s largest online shopping platforms. In 2014, 145 million users had their personal information stolen in an attack. The attackers gained access to the systems by sending fake emails to the company’s employees. As a result of this attack, information such as users’ names, addresses, phone numbers and passwords were compromised. eBay’s credibility and user trust were significantly damaged.
Equifax
Company: Equifax
Date: 2017
Conclusion: Equifax was a well-known credit report provider, and in 2017, an attack resulted in the theft of the personal information of 143 million American citizens. Attackers exploited a vulnerability in the company’s web application to infiltrate the system. As a result of this attack, sensitive data such as social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses and credit card details were compromised. Equifax suffered major reputational damage and faced legal consequences as a result of the attack.
All six of these incidents involved large-scale theft of personal information and severely impacted companies’ reputations. Data leaks pose a huge risk to users’ privacy and security, and it is important for companies to strengthen their cybersecurity measures.
Data leaks are one of the biggest cybersecurity threats companies face. Data leakage methods are often used in major attacks, and companies can suffer serious financial and reputational losses. PlusClouds offers penetration testing and security consulting to help clients take precautions against data leakage attacks, so companies can have confidence in protecting their data. It strengthens data protection measures and prepares companies for potential risks.
PlusClouds Penetration Testing Services
At PlusClouds, we help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity strategy by offering our customers a comprehensive penetration testing service. Our specialized security team is made up of experienced cybersecurity experts and tests our clients’ systems against attacks using the latest techniques and methods. In our penetration testing process, we work rigorously to identify our clients’ security vulnerabilities, identify potential risks and recommend appropriate corrective measures. Our goal is to provide our customers with the highest level of security and offer solutions to protect their businesses against cyber threats.
If you want to have a penetration test, you can start by filling out the Penetration Test Request Form on our website.