7 Common Encryption Mistakes That Lead To Data Breaches

Even the best of professionals are guilty of making mistakes. However, these mistakes mean nothing if they can be taken care of. However, when talking about IT sectors, even a small blunder can cost the organization millions of dollars.

With the spike in industrial digitization, more and more businesses are looking for a space on the internet. But, unfortunately, this gives the hackers many opportunities to attack these business organizations and misuse their sensitive information.

Symmetric and asymmetric encryptions are one of the most used data encryption today. Although these two encryptions serve the same purpose; however, some people always debate about their effectiveness. Click here to know more about symmetric vs asymmetric encryption.

One of the primary issues about such security events is that human errors mostly contribute to them. Majority of the data break event occurs just because the employees were unable to encapsulate the sensitive data from the hackers.

Today, we will focus on the mistakes people make that result in data breaches.

Common Mistakes That Lead To Data Breaches

It is indeed human nature to relax from time to time while working; there is no excuse for foolish mistakes that could have been easily avoided. Although companies use symmetric and asymmetric encryption to secure their data, they need to pay attention to these mistakes.

Mistake 1: Failed To Update

Keeping your server updated is as important as maintaining your server for better performance. If you fail to keep it updated, you might be putting your data at risk. In addition, you must always keep your digital certificates updated to ensure your data remains behind the bars of encryption.

Mistake 2: Misconfiguration

Misconfiguration provides a path for hackers to enter your network server. Hackers look for servers that have not been configured correctly. If your server is misconfigured, it leaves loopholes and exposes your sensitive data through firewall protection.

Mistake 3: Choosing Speed Over Security

The modern generation wants everything fast. This is why businesses focus more on speed than security. The importance of security is realized when sensitive data is compromised. When you are looking for a cybersecurity solution, make security your priority.

Mistake 4: Relying Solely On Cloud Providers

Securing data on the cloud is only one piece of the security puzzle. Cloud servers are doing a good job at securing your data. However, you can take their security for granted. You must understand that cloud servers cover only one area of security, which is effective when the users configure it correctly.

Mistake 5: Not Controlling Your Access

Access control is one of the important aspects you need to consider to ensure your data is safe and secure. You cannot give access to sensitive data to just anyone from the organization. You need to be selective about the employees with whom you can show trust.

Mistake 6: Poor Key Management

Have you ever tried decrypting data only to find that you have been to an encryption lockout due to a forgotten password? It is a frustrating experience for the end-user. This usually happens due to power key management. 

Mistake 7: Thinking You Are Secure

Most believe that having only the encryption will keep them secure from any cyber-attacks. If you are the same, then let us warn you. Do not allow the encryption to give you a false sense of security. Data encryption is a tool to protect your data; always think it can be breached and prepare yourself for the worst with several layers of cybersecurity protection.

Final Mistake: Incomplete Training Of The Employees

Not all data breached malicious or caused harm to your organization. Some data breaches might happen due to the errors caused by the employees. This usually happens when your employees are not trained enough to handle data security operations.

Lack of training restricts the employees’ understanding of the threat that data loss event poses. Phishing emails are good examples. If your employee is not trained enough to differentiate between secure and corrupted mail, they will immediately click the mail. This will open your network to all kinds of malware and spyware.