From new threats to confusing terminology and new regulations, it can be difficult to know what’s best when it comes to protecting your sensitive data. We’re here to shed some light on common issues so that you can find a solution that works for your organization. In this blog, we’re discussing the differences between data loss and data leaks, and how you can protect your organization from both.
The terms data loss and data leak are often used interchangeably. In reality, they denote two distinct types of data-related incidents that each require careful mitigation. Additionally, stringent compliance demands require organizations to proactively put safeguards in place against both types of cybersecurity breaches. What does this mean for your organisation in practice?
What is data loss?
Data loss refers to incidents in which data is literally lost, often irretrievably. This can happen incidentally - for example, because data is accidentally deleted, access keys are lost, or hardware fails and the data on it cannot be recovered.
Data loss can also occur because of malicious attacks, most commonly through phishing or ransomware. In this case, an attacker encrypts data against the victim’s will until ransom is paid, effectively holding the data hostage. Ransomware often enters organizations through malicious email links or attachments.
Data loss incidents tend to have a major impact on business operations. When data is lost or corrupted, it can impede or even completely shut down the organisation’s processes. The consequences can range from simple delays to loss of trust and reputation and even regulatory issues if the data loss occurs because of organisational negligence. And in the case of ransomware, regaining access to data can come at significant financial expense.
What is email data loss prevention?
To protect against accidental data loss, organizations must introduce rigorous processes: frequent and well-protected back-ups, appropriate levels of encryption, and failsafes to prevent accidental deletion, amongst others. Ensuring your employees understand why these processes are important is also essential.
Protection against ransomware attacks, in turn, requires modern DLP solutions that help employees recognize and avoid unsafe links and attachments. Organizations shouldn’t rely on Secure Email Gateways and spam filters alone: with the help of AI, threats are evolving too quickly for these safety nets to catch every malicious email that targets your organisation – and these solutions give your employees no agency or insight into the sort of threats that are being directed against them.
Instead, modern problems require modern solutions, like Zivver Email Threat Protection, a cloud-based integration for your existing email client that alerts users to malicious incoming emails, automatically prioritises threats based on urgency, and lets IT teams set up custom business rules to deal with sector-specific threats. In short, a comprehensive, insightful and empowering tool that lets your teams work productively while protecting them in the background.
What is a data leak?
In the case of a data leak, information is not lost, but it is inadvertently shared with unauthorised parties. Usually, when discussing data leaks, people think of cases where malicious intent is at play: outside attackers who gain access to the data through phishing, hacking, social engineering and similar tactics. If sensitive information is exposed in this manner, like personal details, passwords, or bank details, the consequences can be devastating.
However, a more common cause of data leaks is accidental exposure of sensitive data: emails sent to the wrong person, without encryption, or the accidental sharing of sensitive files. While these cases may seem innocent, from a compliance standpoint these incidents are just as serious as data leaks from external attacks. This type of data leak often flies under the radar, but given how frequently these ‘innocent mistakes’ occur, it is only a matter of time before they lead to reputational damage, fines, and loss of trust.
Data leaks: Mitigating the risk
When it comes to data leaks, organizations need to strike the balance between phishing protection and data loss prevention. In fact, research shows that, while 47% of IT leaders prioritize phishing and inbound threats, 66% admit that they lose more data due to human error than to malicious threats.
Zivver provides complete protection for your email environment. While Zivver Email Threat Protection effectively deals with inbound threats, Zivver Secure Email protects users against mistakes and oversights. Empower your employees to work safe in the knowledge that Zivver has their backs. Want to know more? Book a demo now.
