A data breach occurs when there’s an unauthorized entry point into a corporation’s database that enables cybercriminals to access customers’ personal data, like passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, banking information, passport numbers, driver’s license numbers, and medical records.
There are two types of data breaches -- breaches of companies that people trust to secure their personal information, like retailers and banks, and breaches of companies that obtain people’s personal information through second-party data partnerships, like credit bureaus and marketing firms.
They occur because companies are turning a blind eye to patchable rifts in their security, like outdated software vulnerabilities, weak passwords, and malware attacks.
To avoid turning into the next Yahoo, Marriott, or Adult Friend Finder, it's crucial you prioritize security at your company by focusing efforts on data protection, and giving your security team the resources needed to shield your customers' and company's data from malicious cybercriminals at all times.