Unintentional Data Breaches
Not all unauthorized data leaks are intentional; many result from innocent mistakes, like sending sensitive emails to the wrong recipient. These accidental breaches can still lead to legal penalties and damage an organization’s reputation.
Malicious Employees
Data leakage isn't limited to lost electronic devices. Significant leaks occur through non-digital means, such as printers and discarded documents. Employees, even those initially trustworthy, might leak confidential data for various reasons, including discontent or external financial incentives, leading to data exfiltration.
Electronic Communication Risks
Organizations provide employees with online communication tools, which, while essential, also pose risks as they can be exploited for malware attacks. Cybercriminals can impersonate legitimate business accounts to acquire sensitive data or execute successful phishing attacks through malicious links, gaining access to computers and networks to retrieve valuable information.