GDPR Breach: How It Can Occur & How To Prevent?

Why & How Does Data Breach Occur In GDPR?

Data breaches can occur in GDPR for various reasons, including:

1. Human error

Human error is one of the most common causes of data breaches in GDPR. This can include anything from accidentally sending sensitive information to the wrong recipient, losing devices containing personal data, or misconfiguring security settings. Employees can be trained to prevent such errors by establishing clear data handling policies, enforcing password security, & using encryption to protect sensitive information.

2. Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common, with hackers & cyber criminals constantly evolving their methods to steal personal data. Ransomware attacks, phishing scams, & malware infections can all result in data breaches. Organizations can protect themselves by implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security monitoring tools. Regular vulnerability assessments & penetration testing can also identify & fix any security weaknesses.

3. Third-party vendors

Data breaches can also occur when third-party vendors or suppliers are compromised. Organizations can limit their risk by thoroughly vetting vendors before working with them, requiring them to adhere to GDPR standards, & including strict data protection clauses in contracts. Ongoing monitoring of third-party vendors can also help detect any potential security breaches.

4. Insufficient security measures

Failing to implement appropriate security measures is another major cause of data breaches. Organizations must ensure that personal data is stored & transmitted securely, with measures such as encryption, access controls, and data minimization. Regular security audits can identify any weaknesses in existing security measures and help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats. Employee training programs can also raise awareness about data protection and prevent errors that could lead to breaches.

5. Unintended disclosure

Unintended disclosure can occur when personal data is shared with unauthorized parties due to a security vulnerability, misconfiguration, or human error. For example, an employee may mistakenly email personal data to the wrong recipient, or a misconfigured server may allow unauthorized access to personal data. This can result in a data breach, particularly if sensitive personal data is involved.

6. Physical theft or loss

Physical theft or loss of devices containing personal data is a common cause of data breaches. For example, a laptop containing personal data may be stolen from an employee’s car, or a USB drive containing personal data may be lost. If the device is not encrypted or protected by appropriate security measures, the personal data stored on it can be easily accessed by unauthorized parties.

7. Social engineering

Social engineering attacks involve tricking individuals into divulging personal data, such as login credentials or sensitive personal information. These attacks may involve pretexting, where an attacker poses as a trusted individual to obtain personal data, or baiting, where an attacker leaves a tempting object, such as a USB drive, in a public place to encourage individuals to pick it up and use it. Social engineering attacks can be particularly effective, as they exploit human trust and can bypass technical security measures.

How Can One Prevent GDPR Breach?

There are several steps that organizations can take to prevent GDPR breaches:

• Implement appropriate security measures: Organizations should implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, & availability of personal data. This can include encryption, access controls, and regular vulnerability assessments.
• Conduct regular risk assessments: Regular risk assessments can identify potential vulnerabilities and help organizations prioritize security measures. These assessments should be conducted at least annually, or whenever significant changes occur in the organization’s IT environment.
• Provide regular data protection training to employees: Employees must be trained in data protection and security practices. This may include password management, email security, & secure data handling. Regular training & awareness programs can help prevent human error, which is a common cause of data breaches.
• Monitor third-party vendors: Organizations should monitor their third-party vendors. Moreover, suppliers to ensure they adhere to GDPR standards & comply with contractual obligations. Vendors should be vetted thoroughly before being granted access to personal data.
• Implement incident response plans: Organizations should have an incident response plan in place in case of a data breach. This plan should outline the steps to be taken in case of a breach, including notification of authorities & individuals.
• Conduct regular audits: Regular audits can help identify any weaknesses in existing security measures & ensure compliance with GDPR requirements. Audits can be conducted internally or by an independent third-party auditor.

By taking these steps, organizations can minimize the risk of GDPR breaches & ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Conclusion