Andmelekkide

Andmelekkide, in Estonian, refers to data breaches. A data breach is an incident where sensitive, protected, or confidential data is copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen, or used by an individual unauthorized to do so. These incidents can have significant consequences for individuals and organizations, leading to financial loss, identity theft, reputational damage, and legal liabilities.

Data breaches can occur through various means, including cyberattacks such as hacking, phishing, and malware. They can also result from human error, such as misconfigured databases or accidental disclosure of information. Insider threats, where employees or contractors intentionally misuse their access to data, also contribute to data breaches. The types of data compromised can range from personal identification information (PII) like names, addresses, and social security numbers, to financial details such as credit card numbers and bank account information, as well as sensitive business data like trade secrets or customer lists.

Mitigating the risk of andmelekkide involves implementing robust cybersecurity measures. This includes using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, encrypting sensitive data, regularly updating software, and conducting security awareness training for employees. Organizations also need to have incident response plans in place to effectively manage and contain breaches when they occur, and to notify affected parties promptly. Regulatory frameworks, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, impose strict requirements on organizations regarding data protection and breach notification.