A data leak is any internal event that exposes confidential information in an insecure environment. This is different from a cyberattack in that it doesn’t involve a targeted adversary but rather happens by accident or due to a faulty system. Cybercriminals can exploit leaked data for ransomware attacks, identity theft and to sell it on the dark web. The ramifications of a data leak can be severe for companies, including financial losses and loss of consumer trust.

The most common cause of a data leak is human error. Employees that misplace laptops or use unsecure cloud storage can accidentally upload sensitive files to servers that are accessible by unauthorized individuals. Employees can also inadvertently share data over email and messaging platforms. This can include confidential information about customers or business partners. Employees may even inadvertently print documents with sensitive information at home or a public printer.

Another common cause of a data leak is a breach of an organization’s network. This can be caused by hacking, malware infections or other cyberattacks that result in unauthorized access to systems and data. The resulting data leak can then be used by criminals for a variety of malicious purposes, including identity theft and to gain unauthorized access to bank accounts or credit cards. The breach can also result in the release of sensitive corporate information, such as proprietary information or intellectual property. In some cases, the breach may even lead to a company’s stock price decline.