Reported data breaches increased by 34.5% in 2023, with more than 17 billion records with personal information affected.
Flashpoint published a reportanalyzing 6,077 data breaches reported in 2023. The personal data breached included sensitive information such as names, social security numbers, and financial data. Most breaches (70%) resulted from unauthorized access to organizations.
The US was most affected (60%) by data breaches in 2023, with 3804 reported incidents. This represents a 19.8% increase compared to 2022.
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Ransomware attacks have been responsible for a large number of data breaches , with the LockBit gang targeting 1049 victims over the past year.
The researchers also noted that the exploitation of a vulnerability MOVEit Transfer by the Clopplayed a significant role in carrying out thousands of attacks and data breaches. They found that attacks were responsible for 19.3% of all reported data breaches in 2023. It is worth noting that organizations whose data was stolen through third-party partners were also affected.
The sector most targeted by ransomware last year was construction and engineering (18.7%), with 416 public incidents. It was followed by professional services (13.7%), software and internet service providers (13.2%), and healthcare providers and services (12.29%).
See also: Finland: APT31 hackers breached Parliament in 2021
Overall, ransomware and unauthorized access were responsible for most known data breaches (85%).
2023: Exploitation of many vulnerabilities
Researchers noted that thousands of vulnerabilities were disclosed in various popular products and software during 2023 (33,137). Cybercriminals exploited many of these vulnerabilities to carry out data breaches. However, there are certainly many more vulnerabilities that simply have not been disclosed.
Data Breaches: Consequences
The consequences of data breaches for victims are numerous and serious. First, identity theft is one of the most common impacts. Attackers can use personal data to create accounts in the victim's name, obtain credit, or commit other illegal actions.
See also: Air Europa: Customer data likely breached in October cyberattack
Additionally, data breaches can lead to financial losses. Attackers can gain access to bank accounts, credit cards, or other financial data, causing financial damage to victims.
Finally, a data breach can have serious psychological effects. Victims may feel helpless, anxious and insecure as their privacy has been violated. This can lead to stress and anxiety, which can affect their daily lives and well-being.
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Source: www.infosecurity-magazine.com
