Common Causes of Data Breaches and How They Impact You

If your personal information has been stolen in a data breach, you could be entitled to a settlement check or award. The data breach lawyers at Federman & Sherwood can help you take legal action. 

Companies need to be vigilant about protecting your data. Hackers often have the ability to be one step ahead of those who are tasked with safeguarding your data. Whether it is because of their carelessness, or even circumstances beyond their control, they may still be liable to you in a data breach lawsuit if you have suffered any type of loss from the data breach.

Call the data breach attorneys at Federman & Sherwood to discuss your case. We can work to get accountability on your behalf, which could result in financial compensation to you.

Here are some things that may cause a data breach.

Phishing Attacks

Malign actors may gain access to passwords and information they need to access a system by sending out emails to unsuspecting recipients. These emails often closely resemble those that you may receive from a legitimate company. Phishing emails ask you to enter your account credentials and password. Once bad actors have obtained login information, they can then enter a system and steal data.

Malware

Malware is software that is installed on a computer or in a system with the intent of harming or exploiting it. Malware can help others gain access to a system. When there is malware installed, someone may track use of a system and be able to steal login credentials and passwords. Malware could be installed through phishing attacks described above or when someone downloads a program or application. 

Weak Passwords

There is a reason why system users are asked to use passwords that have some complexity. If a password is easy to guess, you can assume that a hacker would be able to figure it out and use it to access a system. Companies should have requirements for passwords that gives them enough complexity that a hacker may not be easily able to guess it. 

Network Vulnerabilities

There are a variety of network vulnerabilities that could allow a hacker to compromise a system. For example, a business could be using outdated software that does not have the latest security patches. The company may never have taken the proper steps to secure their network. Being aware of network vulnerabilities and addressing them as they are detected is crucial to preventing data breaches. 

Lost Devices

Employees must be vigilant about protecting any device that they have possession of which may allow someone else to access confidential data. Forrester Research has found that 17% of data breaches occur due to lost laptops. Once a hacker has obtained actual physical equipment, they may either be able to figure out a password or find another way to access a confidential system.

Ransomware

Ransomware is when hackers have installed software on a computer system that prevents anyone else from accessing it until they pay money. Numerous companies and governmental agencies have fallen victim to ransomware in recent years. During the time when the hacker has exclusive access to the system, they may steal and sell data. 

Insider Threats

In some extreme cases, an employee with malicious intentions or a profit motive may share access information with a hacker. Former employees are even more likely to commit this act, especially when they have hard feelings after their parting. Companies should consider changing access procedures and passwords when they know that there is a disgruntled former employee who could do harm. 

Data breaches can affect you in a number of ways. Most obviously, your personal information can be stolen, resulting in potential fraud and identity theft. You may be forced to expend countless hours dealing with the fraud, and you may even have difficulty qualifying for credit until your issues are addressed. Even if your information has not yet been stolen, even the prospect of it can cause you stress and force you to take steps to protect yourself. If you have been the victim of a data breach, you may be entitled to financial compensation after you file or join a lawsuit against the company.

Contact a National Data Breach Law Firm Today

If a company has failed to protect your personal data that you entrusted to it, call the data breach lawyers at Federman & Sherwood to explore whether you can file a lawsuit. You may be able to hold the company accountable under Texas or Oklahoma law (or even federal law) depending on the circumstances of the data breach. To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our data breach attorneys, you can call us today at 800-237-1277.