In a recent survey, we asked IT leaders to share their biggest data security challenges:

• Keeping up with data security technologies (47%)
• Regulation and compliance (39%)
• Remote working/distributed workforce and an increase in data access points (38%)
• Using AI to improve cyber-resilience (37%)
• External security threats (36%) 
• Lack of awareness and understanding of security by employees (36%)

Every time sensitive data leaves your organization, whether in a file, email, or message, you are exposed to a potential leak and all of the repercussions associated with non-compliance. It pays to be prepared and, according to our research, a lack of awareness, and the tools we use to handle sensitive data are the main risks. 

Let’s dive deeper:

5 causes of accidental data loss

1. Unintentional data exposure

One of the most common risks is the accidental sharing of sensitive data through email attachments. Spreadsheets are a prime candidate for this kind of error; all too often employees share a spreadsheet without realizing there are hidden tabs containing sensitive data. Once shared, retrieving or undoing this error is nearly impossible.

2. Autofill errors

We all love autofill. However, while convenient, autofill functionality is the leading causes of data loss according to the ICO, accounting for 17% of all data breaches since 2019. These split second clicks regularly see employees sending emails and files to the wrong recipient, leading to significant data incidents.

3. Misuse of Bcc

Another very common mistake, the misuse of Bcc (Blind Carbon Copy) is another seemingly small error that can have big repercussions. In fact this error has led to several high-profile data breaches. Bcc is designed to allow a sender to hide the recipients of an email from one another. However, often users will mistakenly use "To" or "Cc" instead, leaving email addresses visible to everyone in the email.

4. Phishing

Phishing emails have been a persistent threat for years and are responsible for 12% of all data loss events according to the ICO. Modern attackers have grown more sophisticated, often leveraging artificial intelligence to craft highly convincing emails. Malicious actors use phishing emails to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links, leading to data loss.

5. Lack of encryption

For all of the above reasons and more, email by default is not a secure communication method, and standard email clients do not provide guaranteed protection for data while it is in transit. Without advanced encryption, emails can be intercepted by malicious actors. As a result, regulatory requirements such as NIS2 and DORA are mandating the use of encryption to protect sensitive data.

Email is such a fundamental tool, it is easy to overlook it’s weaknesses. From a behavioural perspective, people will always make mistakes. Equally, even when you’re doing everything right, a lack of multi factor authentication, advanced encryption protocols and even reliable recall functionality mean that email is a big risk vector for your business.

The solution is to give your email client a much needed security upgrade.

Integrating seamlessly with Outlook 365 and Gmail, Zivver enhances email clients with data loss prevention tools and advanced encryption protocols - preventing some of the leading causes of data leaks. Explore the solution.