Once upon a time, taking your smartphone abroad was an expensive activity due to the global roaming charges levied by cellphone networks. Fortunately, eSIMs solve this annoying problem.

Digital SIM cards enable instant carrier switches and localized data packages that do away with roaming fees, which is a cheaper, more efficient way to travel with a smartphone. The question is, which eSIM provider should you choose?

This blog will compare Saily and Airalo, two leading eSIM merchants. Both offer smart connectivity that standard cellphone providers cannot match. Let’s discover which one meets your traveling needs.

What is Saily?

Created by Nord Security in 2024, Saily is an exciting new eSIM app that builds on the expertise that created NordVPN and NordLayer. Saily gives smartphone users freedom about how they use their phones worldwide. It will help block ads and secure your browsing with DNS filtering while choosing from data plans to suit anyone’s needs.

What is Airalo?

Airalo is an established eSIM provider with over 10 million global customers. Founded to provide cross-border data connectivity and work around roaming restrictions, Airalo offers data packs for more than 200 destinations. Customers download the app, choose their package, and benefit from instant data, the moment they arrive.

Saily vs. Airalo: a comprehensive comparison

Saily and Airalo provide similar services. Both vendors work in the eSIM space, filling the gap left by traditional telecom providers. However, beyond that fundamental similarity, some significant differences might sway your purchasing decision.

Disclaimer: The information about eSIM features in this comparison table below was last verified on eSIM providers’ official websites as of April 8, 2025. On the same date, Trustpilot ratings were also checked on Saily’s and Airalo’s Trustpilot pages. Since this information is subject to change, we recommend visiting respective websites for the latest details when making a purchase.

eSIM plans

Saily majors on flexible plans, giving customers maximum choice about data amounts and plan durations. Plan sizes vary from 1 GB to 100 GB, and durations range from one week to a year. Travelers can choose an eSIM that matches their travel plans. If you’re jetting into Thailand for a week or relocating to Brazil for a year, there’s a plan for you.

Airalo provides a choice of local, regional, and global eSIM packages. Customers can save money with an eSIM for a single country or spend more for regional flexibility. Saily is equally flexible, offering eSIMs that automatically switch carriers as you travel across borders. For example, there’s no need to juggle national SIMs as you travel around Europe.

Airalo is less flexible about plan durations. Customers can choose from one-day, 7-day, or 15-day packages for most countries (365 and 180-day passes are available with global coverage). Customers may need to recharge their data regularly if they aren’t sure how long they will be in a country.

Both Airalo and Saily provide instant connectivity. Customers can get started immediately, provided they have the right eSIM for their location.

Global coverage

Saily and Airalo operate globally, with an impressive range of countries and regions. Wherever you intend to travel, you can confidently expect data coverage.

Both vendors offer plans for over 200 countries and territories. Travelers intending to visit North Korea may be out of luck, as Saily and Airalo are not available there. Otherwise, both eSim providers have your back.

Pricing

Global coverage and flexible plans are great, but not if they come at an unacceptable price. Luckily, both Airalo and Saily offer affordable prices for their eSIM services.

Firstly, the good news. eSIMs from both providers are much cheaper than comparable roaming plans from cellphone companies. However, our price comparison finds Saily is slightly more affordable than Airalo. These differences can be significant for particular destinations.

The table below shows sample prices for some of the most popular countries.

Disclaimer: The prices shown below refer to one week, 1 GB packages and include the cheapest plans, last verified on eSIM providers’ official websites as of April 8, 2025. Since prices may change, we recommend checking the providers’ websites, especially at checkout, for the most up-to-date pricing information before making a purchase.

The prices above refer to national plans, but what about global eSIM packages? Again, Saily is the more affordable option. Global 20 GB, 365-day plans with Airalo cost $69, while an identical plan with Saily costs $66.90.

Speed and performance

Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, speed and performance are not optional extras. Reliable connectivity allows you to work productively without disruption. And when you’re relaxing, nobody likes broken streams or sluggish download times.

Both Saily and Airalo rely on local partners to provide internet connectivity, so this comparison does not directly reflect the performance of either eSIM provider. Nevertheless, the choice of partner influences local speeds. But is this the case with either company?

In real-world tests, both eSIM providers perform well. Local partners often deliver 5G connectivity, which feels fast wherever you use it. There are no significant issues with reliability, outside extremely remote regions.

Ease of use

With Saily, users pick a plan and download the app. The plan automatically activates when visitors touch down. You can also buy a plan and wait up to 30 days before activating it, giving users space to sort out travel plans and avoid the pre-flight rush.

The Airalo activation process is virtually identical. Users choose their preferred plan and make a payment. They then download the app, install the eSIM, and activate the product when needed. Unlike Saily, Airalo involves scanning a QR code. If you aren’t comfortable with that, look at Saily first.

The Airalo app is easy to use but marginally more cluttered than Saily. Even so, you should have few problems locating the ideal eSIM.

Customer support

While Airalo and Saily are reliable eSIM vendors, unexpected downtime is always a possibility. After all, both companies rely on in-country networks to deliver connectivity. The question is, how well do they respond when issues arise?

Both companies claim to offer comprehensive customer support. For instance, Airalo provides customer support options via all major social media platforms. You can also reach support staff by email if needed.

However, there’s a catch. Trustpilot reviews mention sluggish and low-quality responses from the Airalo team. Some reviewers mention problems obtaining data connectivity in emergencies. That’s not a good look for an eSIM provider. In contrast, Saily’s reviews show a more positive reception overall, though occasional complaints still arise.

Feedback for Saily’s customer support tends to be positive. Customers regularly report swift resolutions when problems arise, including refunds for imperfect experiences. Saily provides a 24/7 live chat function via the app. Expect automated help initially, although human assistance is on hand to field emergency queries. Saily recognizes that eSIM customers rely on connectivity and respond rapidly when connectivity fails.

Online reputation

Online reviews aren’t everything when purchasing online, but it’s wise to consider feedback. So, where do Saily and Airalo stand in the eSIM discussion?

Saily’s 4-star Trustpilot rating is pretty good for an eSim provider. Reviewers regularly applaud the app’s simplicity and the willingness of customer support staff to resolve connection issues quickly. Some customers experience performance problems, but, as mentioned earlier, variation is unavoidable when dealing with third-party networks.

Airalo has a less favorable Trustpilot rating. Customers like the simple setup process and appealing prices. Many reviewers also highlight the strong global coverage. However, reviewers report issues with eSIMs not working in some countries and sluggish support. So, this is an area where Saily wins out.

Extra features

Both companies understand that customers want more than simple connectivity. You’ll find plenty of extras that enhance the user experience and even save on future purchases.

One of the extra benefits of using a Saily eSIM is enhanced smartphone security. That’s because Saily doesn’t just provide affordable data connectivity. Users can also turn on the adblocker to help shut out annoying pop-ups that drain data and reduce speeds.

There’s also a web protection feature that helps block malicious downloads and tracking cookies. Both of these services tend to deliver faster speeds. More importantly, they can also help safeguard user privacy, a useful feature if you travel in countries known for surveillance activities.

Saily draws on NordVPN’s expertise to switch locations seamlessly. If you want to access your subscribed US TV shows in Italy while traveling, switch to US data providers, and the app will assign you a virtual location back home to your paid subscription.

Airalo has some perks as well (although security is not one of them). Customers can easily keep track of data usage in the app and monitor top-ups to avoid surprises. Customers can earn $3 off their next purchase by referring a friend, while regular purchasers earn cashback (Airmoney) as they buy more data.

Even so, Saily matches many of these features. For instance, Saily pays users $5 when they refer friends to the eSIM service. Users also receive automatic updates when they hit 80% of their data allowance, enabling seamless top-ups.

Overall, both vendors go beyond the norm. At the moment, Saily’s security add-ons place it ahead of Airalo.

Saily vs. Airalo: which one to choose?

Companies like Saily and Airalo are revolutionizing global travel. Internet connectivity used to be an expensive luxury when moving between countries. Now, eSIMs make surfing the web affordable, fast, and secure. There are almost no boundaries to global roaming.

Both Saily and Airalo are reliable vendors for your next eSIM purchase. Expect instant connectivity, flexible data allowances, and lower costs. However, Saily stands out with stronger customer support, 24/7 live chat, and a higher Trustpilot score. Airalo offers wide coverage, but reviews point to slow responses and setup issues. Both apps are intuitive and easy to navigate, and topping up data feels perfectly natural from the start.

Both Airalo and Saily offer coverage in 200+ countries. You’ll almost certainly benefit from an Airalo eSIM compared with traditional cellphone roaming. However, a couple of factors elevate Saily above Airalo for travelers.

Firstly, Saily is usually slightly cheaper than Airalo. In some countries, Saily’s eSIMs are significantly less expensive for short and medium-term packages. For instance, a 1GB 7-day eSIM for Thailand costs $2.99 with Saily but $4.50 with Airalo. Travelers to Brazil pay $39.99 with Saily for 30-day 20GB packages, or $42 with Airalo. So, on price alone, Saily may be a better option for upcoming trips.

Additionally, Saily is the better option for security-conscious travelers. Saily’s app reflects Nord Security’s expertise. Users benefit from ad-blocking and web protection, making it safer to communicate or stream your favorite paid home content while traveling.

Disclaimer: The prices shown above were last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites as of April 17, 2025. And this article is for informational purposes and compares Saily and Airalo’s eSIM business-to-consumer services. Please note that if you are interested in purchasing Saily for business purposes, the pricing and offerings may vary to better suit your organization’s needs.

ChatGPT is transforming enterprise workflows, but its rapid adoption raises serious security concerns. While artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots streamline tasks and boost efficiency, they also introduce new risks—such as handling sensitive data, generating misleading content, and unknowingly enabling cyber threats. With 74% of breaches involving social engineering, attackers increasingly exploit AI-generated interactions to deceive users.

As artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT become more advanced, enterprises must be proactive in securing their use of AI. This article will answer the question: “Is ChatGPT safe?”, explore real-world incidents, and outline best practices to keep you away from risks.

The advancing role of AI in business security

As businesses integrate AI chatbots into customer support, internal operations, and even cybersecurity processes, the technology becomes both an asset and a target. AI-based technologies can strengthen security by detecting threats, automating compliance, and improving fraud detection. But, they can also introduce risks if misconfigured or maliciously exploited.

For example, AI-driven security tools can analyze vast amounts of data to detect anomalies, helping prevent breaches before they occur. However, bad actors also use AI to automate cyber-attacks, generate convincing phishing emails, and bypass traditional security measures. The challenge for enterprises is to ensure that AI strengthens security rather than becomes an entry point for attackers.

By understanding both the advantages and vulnerabilities of ChatGPT adoption, organizations can implement the right strategies to harness its power safely.

Key ChatGPT security risks

As AI adoption accelerates in the enterprise space, so do the security risks associated with tools like ChatGPT. Understanding these risks is crucial for businesses to implement effective safeguards.

1. Exposure of sensitive data

One of the greatest risks of using AI chatbots is the accidental exposure of sensitive data. Employees may input confidential information, customer records, or proprietary strategies into the chatbot without realizing that OpenAI or third-party providers might store or analyze this data. This can lead to compliance violations and unintended data leaks.

2. Social engineering attacks

Threat actors can use ChatGPT to craft highly convincing phishing emails or impersonate legitimate users in real-time conversations. Cybercriminals may use AI-generated content to trick company employees into revealing login credentials, financial details, or other sensitive data.

3. Data breaches and unauthorized access

Since ChatGPT interacts with users and processes large amounts of information. If APIs and integrations aren’t properly secured, organizations can be exposed to data breaches. If an attacker gains access to stored chatbot interactions, they could retrieve valuable internal data.

4. Data poisoning and AI manipulation

Attackers can attempt data poisoning—feeding malicious or misleading information into AI models to alter their behavior. If enterprises rely on AI-generated insights, manipulated data could lead to false business decisions or even reputational damage.

5. Malicious code generation

Cybercriminals can exploit ChatGPT’s ability to generate code by using it to create malware, ransomware, or exploits. While OpenAI has implemented safeguards, threat actors may still find ways to bypass these restrictions. In fact, purpose-built malicious AI tools have already emerged, designed specifically for generating harmful code without ethical limitations.

6. Regulatory and compliance risks

Industries such as healthcare, finance, and legal services are subject to strict data privacy laws like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. Enterprises using AI tools must ensure that chatbot interactions do not violate these regulations, particularly when handling personal or financial data.

7. Risks of Large Language Models (LLMs)

ChatGPT runs on a Large Language Model (LLM), an advanced AI system trained on vast amounts of text data to generate human-like responses. It can unintentionally produce misleading information or fabricate sources due to their open-ended nature. They are also vulnerable to prompt injections, where malicious inputs are used to manipulate the model’s responses.

By recognizing these security threats, organizations can take a proactive approach to lowering AI-related risks. Whether securing sensitive data, preventing unauthorized access, or addressing compliance challenges, businesses must remain aware of security threats.

ChatGPT’s security features: Safeguards and limitations

While ChatGPT security risks are a growing concern for enterprises, OpenAI has implemented several safeguards to mitigate potential threats. These include content filtering, prompt moderation, and ethical use policies designed to prevent malicious applications such as generating harmful content, phishing emails, or malware. Additionally, OpenAI continuously refines its model to reduce bias, misinformation, and unintended data leakage.

However, these safeguards have limitations. Threat actors test ways to bypass restrictions, using indirect prompts or fragmented queries to elicit restricted information. ChatGPT also lacks full context awareness. It cannot verify the accuracy of its outputs or detect when users manipulate its responses. While OpenAI does not retain chat history for training, enterprises must still assume that any data entered could be processed externally. This makes strict data governance policies a must.

Despite these measures, organizations can’t solely rely on ChatGPT’s security features to safeguard sensitive information. Implementing enterprise-grade security controls, such as access restrictions, API security, and AI monitoring solutions, remains essential in preventing unauthorized data exposure or AI-driven cyber threats.

Real-world examples of ChatGPT-related threats

AI-powered tools like ChatGPT are already shaping business operations, but their rapid adoption has led to security incidents that highlight potential risks. From accidental data leaks to AI-enhanced cybercrime, enterprises have faced real-world consequences when using these tools without proper safeguards.

The following cases highlight how weak ChatGPT security can expose sensitive information or even allow malicious actors to exploit it.

Samsung’s data leak

In 2023, Samsung Electronics faced a significant security incident when employees inadvertently leaked confidential company information through ChatGPT. Engineers from Samsung’s semiconductor division used ChatGPT to help debug and optimize source code. Unknowingly, they entered sensitive data, including proprietary source code and internal meeting notes, into the AI tool.

Since ChatGPT retains user inputs to refine its responses, this action risked exposing Samsung’s trade secrets to external parties. This event shows why companies need stringent data-handling policies and employee training on how to use AI tools in corporate environments.

AI-powered phishing campaigns

Cybersecurity researchers have observed that AI-generated phishing emails are not only more grammatically accurate but also more convincing, making them harder to detect. Moreover, AI is now used to craft deepfake voice scams. For instance, 2025 predictions warn of AI-driven phishing kits bypassing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and mimicking trusted voices via voice cloning.

A study highlighted by Harvard Business Review revealed that 60 % of participants were deceived by AI-crafted phishing messages, a success rate comparable to those created by people. This trend highlights the escalating challenge enterprises face in protecting employees from such deceptive tactics. ​

Fake customer support bots

Scammers have begun deploying AI-driven chatbots that impersonate real customer service representatives. These fraudulent bots engage users in real-time conversations, persuading them to hand over sensitive information such as passwords or payment details.

For instance, reports indicate that these AI chatbots can convincingly mimic the communication styles of reputable companies, leading unsuspecting customers to trust and interact with them.

This exploitation of AI technology shows why businesses must authenticate their customer communication channels and educate consumers recognize legitimate support interactions.

Best practices for safely using ChatGPT in enterprises

As real-world incidents show, organizations must recognize that while AI improves efficiency, it also requires thoughtful management to prevent misuse. To minimize risks, enterprises should adopt proactive security measures that ensure AI-powered tools are used safely.

The following best practices can help businesses leverage AI’s benefits while protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and compliance violations.

1. Implement strict data policies

Based on the recent mimecast cybersecurity report, human error remains the main cause of data breaches and cyber incidents. Employees may unknowingly expose sensitive information or interact with AI-generated responses containing malicious code, increasing the risk of security compromises.

To mitigate this, organizations should integrate automated Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools to detect and block unauthorized data inputs into AI systems. Regular training, policy reinforcement, and security audits will help ensure compliance and minimize accidental data leaks.

2. Enable access controls and monitoring

Limit ChatGPT usage to authorized personnel by integrating it with Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) and enterprise authentication systems. Implement logging mechanisms to track AI interactions, helping detect anomalies or potential data leaks. Regularly review access logs to ensure compliance with security policies and swiftly address unauthorized activities.

In addition, consider enablin gmulti-factor authentication (MFA) for high-privilege users to further restrict access to AI tools. By combining access controls with real-time monitoring, enterprises can mitigate insider threats and ensure AI usage aligns with security best practices.

3. Use AI detection tools

Deploy AI-driven security solutions to detect and mitigate threats like AI-generated phishing emails, cyber-attacks, or malicious chatbot activities. Advanced threat detection tools can flag suspicious patterns, such as unusual chatbot queries or high-risk prompts, to prevent potential cyber risks before they escalate.

These tools can be integrated with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms to provide real-time alerts on suspicious AI interactions. Additionally, setting up behavioral analytics can help identify unauthorized attempts to manipulate ChatGPT for malicious purposes, adding an extra layer of protection against AI-enabled threats.

4. Regularly update AI security settings

Ensure that all chatbot integrations comply with industry security standards, including ISO 27001, SOC 2, or GDPR, where applicable. Apply security patches and updates to address vulnerabilities and protect against threats. Conduct routine security assessments to identify weaknesses in chatbot configurations and AI-driven workflows.

Organizations should also perform penetration testing on AI integrations to uncover potential security gaps before they can be exploited. Establishing a structured incident response plan specific to AI security will further enhance the organization’s ability to mitigate risks and react swiftly to potential breaches.

5. Restrict external API access

If integrating ChatGPT into enterprise applications, secure API endpoints using authentication tokens, IP allowlisting, and encryption to prevent unauthorized access and data exfiltration. Implement rate limiting and anomaly detection to identify potential abuse or credential stuffing attacks targeting AI-powered APIs.

Additionally, establish a least privilege access model, ensuring that APIs only provide the minimum necessary data to function. Regularly rotate API keys and monitor unauthorized access attempts. This can further strengthen defenses against API-related threats.

6. Train employees on social engineering risks

People are the first line of defense. Conduct cybersecurity awareness programs to help employees recognize AI-generated phishing emails, deepfake scams, and impersonation tactics. Use simulated phishing exercises and real-world case studies to build awareness.

Employees should also be trained to identify signs of malicious code embedded in chatbot responses or AI-generated links. Encourage a Zero Trust mindset, where verification is prioritized over assumption in all AI-assisted communications.

By adopting these best practices, enterprises can strike a balance between AI-driven efficiency and robust security. Proactive governance, continuous monitoring, and employee awareness are key to using AI safely without compromising sensitive information.

How NordLayer supports secure enterprise environments

While NordLayer doesn’t directly address AI-specific risks, but it plays a crucial role in protecting the broader network environment where AI tools like ChatGPT are used.

Solutions like Secure Web Gateway, Cloud Firewall, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) help safeguard against phishing, malicious code delivery, and unauthorized access—common threats that can be amplified by AI-driven tools.

By enforcing strong access policies and maintaining network visibility, NordLayer helps organizations stay secure and compliant while exploring AI technologies.

Why choose NordLayer?

• Secure network infrastructure: Keeps your data safe when accessing or integrating AI tools
• Zero Trust security: Ensures only authorized users access critical resources
• Threat intelligence: Detects and mitigates phishing, malware, and AI-driven social engineering attacks
• Compliance-ready solutions: Helps organizations meet NIS2, CIS Controls, HIPAA, and other key industry frameworks

Conclusion

AI-powered tools like ChatGPT offer numerous advantages for enterprises but also introduce significant security risks. From data leaks and cyber-attacks to regulatory concerns, organizations must take proactive measures to safeguard their operations.

By following best practices and using network security solutions like NordLayer, businesses can securely integrate AI chatbots while minimizing potential threats.

The gaming industry is booming—and it’s easy to see why. With exciting innovations in online gaming and global player engagement soaring, revenues keep climbing. Experts estimate the industry will hit over $300 billion in annual revenue by 2028. That’s more than double its value back in 2019.

As gaming continues to grow, cybercriminals see opportunities too. Online gaming platforms handle enormous amounts of sensitive information, from payment details to login credentials and personal player data. With so much valuable information stored digitally, gaming companies have become prime targets for cyber threats.

Now more than ever, cybersecurity in gaming isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a fundamental business concern. Game developers and gaming companies must invest in strong security measures to protect data, maintain player trust, and secure their financial futures.

The biggest cybersecurity threats to gaming companies

The variety and frequency of cyber threats are increasing rapidly, presenting serious challenges for gaming companies. Attackers constantly refine their tactics, searching for new ways to breach defenses and compromise gaming accounts. Let’s break down the biggest threats the gaming industry faces today.

DDoS attacks and service disruption

One common threat is distributed denial of service attacks—or simply, DDoS attacks. These cyber-attacks flood gaming servers with excessive traffic, forcing them offline.

For example, in 2020, Blizzard Entertainment faced severe disruptions during major tournaments due to relentless DDoS attacks. In April 2025, they experienced a DDoS attack again. These disruptions don’t just frustrate gamers—they also lead to significant financial losses for gaming companies.

Credential stuffing and account takeovers

Many players reuse passwords across different online gaming platforms, making gaming accounts easy prey for attackers. Cybercriminals launch brute force attacks using automated tools that systematically try millions of username and password combinations.

In 2019, Epic Games had to warn Fortnite players after attackers successfully compromised millions of accounts. Securing player accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA) significantly reduces this threat.

Phishing scams and social engineering

Attackers frequently use clever social engineering tactics, especially phishing scams, to trick gamers into revealing their login credentials or other sensitive information. Fake promotions offering in-game rewards or currency entice players to click malicious links. Falling victim may expose sensitive data or financial details to cybercriminals.

Ransomware attacks on game developers

Ransomware—malicious software designed to encrypt data and hold it hostage—also threatens the gaming industry. In 2021, CD Projekt Red suffered a massive ransomware attack, halting game development and causing serious financial and reputational damage. Companies need strong backup plans and endpoint protection to proactively guard against ransomware.

Cheating software as malware carriers

Illegal cheat programs often come bundled with hidden malware, infecting thousands of gaming devices without the user’s knowledge. Games like Call of Duty have seen cheats used to install spyware and other malicious programs, exposing players to identity theft and fraud. The gaming industry must educate players about these hidden risks.

Supply chain vulnerabilities

The modern gaming ecosystem depends on third-party providers and external tools for game developers. Unfortunately, these outside tools can introduce hidden vulnerabilities. The SolarWinds breach showed how attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in supply chains and impact industries like online gaming.

Insider threats to gaming companies

Sometimes threats come from within the organization itself. Employees or contractors with privileged access may accidentally or deliberately cause security breaches. Zynga once faced a situation where former employees stole proprietary game data, threatening both the company’s intellectual property and its reputation.

Why cybersecurity is critical for gaming businesses

Cybersecurity isn’t just about avoiding threats—it directly contributes to a gaming company’s overall success and profitability. Here’s why robust cybersecurity practices are essential for the gaming industry.

Protecting revenue streams

Downtime is costly. Every minute gaming platforms remain offline, companies lose potential revenue.

DDoS attacks interrupting major tournaments or game launches can be devastating. Strong security measures, including VPNs and real-time DDoS mitigation, keep gaming services stable and protect revenue streams.

Maintaining brand reputation

The gaming industry depends on player trust. Serious security breaches can permanently damage a company’s brand. Strong cybersecurity practices prevent these disasters, preserving consumer trust and loyalty.

Enhancing player experience

Players want secure, fair, and uninterrupted gaming experiences. Malware infections, account theft, or cheating disrupt the fun, driving players away. Implementing effective cybersecurity—such as endpoint protection and proactive anti-cheat measures—maintains a positive gaming environment, encouraging player retention.

Avoiding regulatory fines

Globally, laws like GDPR impose strict penalties for mishandling sensitive data—fines can reach up to 4% of annual revenue. Compliance with data protection regulations isn’t just smart—it’s mandatory. The gaming industry must adopt stringent cybersecurity practices to stay compliant and avoid expensive penalties.

Attracting investments and partnerships

Investors and partners favor companies with secure, well-managed cybersecurity frameworks. Demonstrating a commitment to protecting data and infrastructure enhances credibility. Adopting principles like Zero Trust further strengthens security and makes companies more attractive to potential investors and partners.

Best practices for cybersecurity in the gaming industry

With cyber threats constantly evolving, gaming companies need comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Here are some proven best practices every gaming company should adopt:

Protecting user data and privacy

Gamers trust companies to protect their personal data. Implement robust measures such as:

• Data encryption: Encrypt sensitive data using strong standards like AES-256 and TLS.
• Secure payment gateways: Comply with PCI DSS standards to securely process payments.
• DNS filtering and threat prevention: Block phishing and malicious sites at the network level.

Preventing account takeovers

Protecting gaming accounts is crucial for player retention and security. Account theft can permanently drive loyal players away—preventing it ensures your gaming community thrives.

• Multi factor authentication (MFA): MFA prevents unauthorized access even if login credentials are compromised.
• Player education: Inform players about phishing, social engineering, and the importance of strong, unique passwords.

Maintaining service availability

Reliable gaming services build player loyalty and satisfaction. Just one prolonged service interruption can damage your reputation—stable services keep your players happy and engaged.

• DDoS mitigation: Implement real-time traffic monitoring to neutralize attacks quickly.
• Cloud security: Regularly audit cloud infrastructure to prevent vulnerabilities.
• Cloud firewall and VPN gateways: Use strong perimeter defenses and encrypted VPN connections to secure remote gameplay, especially during high-traffic events.

Protecting against malware and ransomware

Even a single malware infection can halt game development, so defensive measures are your best line of protection. Proactively defend your infrastructure against malware:

• Endpoint protection: Deploy antivirus and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions across every gaming device.
• Regular backups: Store backups separately to quickly recover after ransomware attacks.
• System updates and patches: Regularly update software and security configurations to eliminate vulnerabilities.

Minimizing insider and supply chain risks

Trusting third-party providers blindly is risky. Vigilant security keeps your game development pipeline secure. Protect against threats from insiders and third-party providers:

• Least privilege principle: Limit access rights to necessary functions, reducing potential internal risks.
• Network segmentation: Separate sensitive areas to contain threats.
• Vendor security assessments: Regularly audit third-party providers for secure coding and compliance practices.
• Zero Trust architecture: Continuously verify all users and devices, preventing unauthorized lateral movements within networks.

Meeting compliance and regulatory requirements

Complying with regulatory standards like GDPR, COPPA, and PCI DSS is crucial for gaming companies. Strict compliance helps avoid costly fines and maintains player trust. Companies should clearly document data handling practices to ensure transparency. Regular compliance audits and risk assessments are essential. It’s important to continuously encrypt payment details and sensitive player data. Monitoring regulatory changes closely helps avoid unexpected compliance issues. Holding third-party vendors to consistent data protection standards strengthens overall security. Ultimately, transparency and strict compliance build long-term credibility with players and regulators.

Emerging cybersecurity trends in the gaming industry

Technology advances quickly, and cybercriminals continuously evolve their methods. This makes cybersecurity an ongoing challenge for the gaming industry.

Artificial intelligence is becoming both a weapon and a defense. Attackers use AI-driven tools to evade traditional security measures. Gaming companies respond with real-time analytics to rapidly spot these threats. Blockchain technology provides secure and transparent transactions, safeguarding digital assets from theft. Automated threat intelligence platforms help gaming companies swiftly identify cyber threats. Bug bounty programs and regular penetration testing proactively uncover vulnerabilities. These measures keep gaming platforms secure and resilient.

Enhancing gaming cybersecurity with NordLayer

NordLayer provides specialized cybersecurity solutions designed for the gaming industry. Its comprehensive offerings include:

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) features
• Secure VPN with NordLynx (based on WireGuard) and Site-to-Site connections
• Advanced network segmentation
• User identity management with popular identity providers like Okta and Google
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG) features
• Real-time network visibility and monitoring

For instance, Eldorado Games successfully leveraged NordLayer’s solutions to protect its remote workforce, secure critical data, and maintain smooth processes for game developers.

To learn more, explore the detailed Eldorado Games case study or check our resource on cybersecurity in software development. NordLayer helps the gaming industry effectively safeguard its operations, secure gaming platforms, and deliver reliable gaming experiences that players trust and enjoy.

As patient data becomes a prime target for data thieves, healthcare organizations are scrambling to counter numerous critical threats. Medical devices are now a cybersecurity frontier.

The medical devices we rely on to keep us healthy can fall victim to ransomware, identity theft, and DDoS botnets. Meanwhile, strict privacy regulations punish companies that don’t take data security seriously.

Healthcare providers, device manufacturers, insurers, and third-party service providers are all part of the healthcare cybersecurity challenge. This article will explore how to secure medical devices and safeguard patient safety in an increasingly dangerous environment.

Key takeaways

• Proactive approaches are vital when securing medical devices. Companies must assess risks, monitor threats, and fix vulnerabilities before attacks occur.
• Critical medical device risks include remote hacking, ransomware, data breaches, unpatched vulnerabilities, insider threats, and botnet attacks.
• Regulatory compliance is essential. Device manufacturers must meet FDA standards, while users should comply with HIPAA and GDPR. NIST and ISO frameworks provide a roadmap to compliance.
• Device security best practices include inventorying devices, segmentation, vendor collaboration, monitoring threats, and applying regular updates.
• Medical device security is evolving. Expect advances in AI and machine learning to detect threats while 5G delivers speed and reliability improvements. New technology also enables the deployment of Zero Trust concepts to verify every device activity.

Why proactive cybersecurity is essential for patient safety

When we think about patient safety, medical competence, affordable care, and safe hospitals all come to mind. Cybersecurity risks aren’t always a top priority until data breaches expose private information to malicious actors.

However, Protected Health Information (PHI) breaches cause serious harm. Data thieves can use confidential details to steal identities or blackmail individuals. Data tampering can falsify records and lead to improper treatments, while information about health conditions can influence the decisions of employers or insurers.

The bottom line is that health data should always be secure. This includes data from medical devices like heart rate trackers, diabetes monitors, and wearable technology. These devices gather confidential data about the patient’s condition. They must also operate reliably – without downtime caused by cyberattacks.

Protecting medical devices demands a proactive cybersecurity approach. Security teams must assess each security risk and fix vulnerabilities before cyberattacks occur. Reactive security is too late. Healthcare providers need robust medical device cybersecurity systems that anticipate threats.

The cybersecurity risks medical devices face

Many people are not familiar with medical device cybersecurity risks. Let’s dive a bit deeper and explore how cyber criminals target consumer and professional healthcare devices.

Remote hacking

Many medical devices depend on network connectivity to transmit data, but these networks are not always secure. Hospital and home networks are vulnerable to remote hacking via unpatched software or weak passwords.

Criminals with unauthorized network access can theoretically control medical devices, adjusting dosages or pacemaker settings. That’s a terrifying prospect for professionals and patients.

Ransomware attacks

Medical devices, like all devices connected to the external internet, are vulnerable to ransomware infections. A quick exploration of the top ransomware attacks in 2024 shows that the infection risk is severe and growing.

These attacks deploy malicious software which encrypts devices and prevents legitimate access. This can have dangerous care implications if ransomware affects heart rate monitors or scanning equipment, although criminals usually relent when targets make crypto payments.

However, even if healthcare organizations make payments they may lose the data held by medical devices. Ransomware is a triple threat: affecting financial health, compromising critical systems, and exposing patient data.

Data breaches

Ransomware is not the only data breach risk linked to medical device cybersecurity. Cyber attackers may target monitoring tools and apps, gaining access to medical histories and current treatment programs.

Information about treatment is extremely valuable in the wrong hands. Criminals use it to launch insurance fraud scams, craft targeted phishing attacks, and even extract blackmail payments.

Exploits due to unpatched vulnerabilities

Medical device manufacturers may not update firmware or apps to address cybersecurity risks. This is a common issue with IoT technology that opens the door to exploit attacks leveraging outdated software.

Even worse, manufacturers often use proprietary software that is hard to update independently. And they sometimes delay patches due to complexity issues and concerns about compromising device functionality.

Healthcare providers often neglect updates in medical device cybersecurity strategies. However, when a single unpatched scanner can act as a network gateway, updating devices should be a priority.

Insider threats

Accidental errors and malicious employee activity can also compromise medical device security. For example, disgruntled staffers could use external drives to install malware on hospital systems or steal patient data for illegal purposes.

Negligent activity is equally damaging. Staff may ignore security protocols by sharing passwords, failing to encrypt laptops, or misusing physical access controls.

Botnet activity

Botnets pool large numbers of connected devices for criminal activities. For instance, bad actors could install malware on medical devices and use their computing power to mine cryptocurrency.

Lax medical device security also exposes healthcare organizations to DDoS attacks where attackers flood medical networks with traffic. These attacks take devices offline, disrupt care, and compromise security systems, opening the way to secondary attacks.

Medical device cybersecurity: What the regulations say

Governments have reacted to the growth in cyber threats against medical devices, passing many regulations to enforce data security. Organizations in the health sector must understand relevant regulations and use them to design security strategies.

FDA regulations for medical device manufacturers

Firstly, medical device manufacturers must comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. The FDA regulates the safety of anything that “diagnoses, cures, mitigates, treats, or prevents [a] disease or condition.” In practice, FDA rules cover most medical devices.

Specifically, section 524B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires medical device manufacturers to:

• Create a plan to monitor and address medical device security risks (including exploits)
• Ensure devices are “cybersecure” and provide post-market patches as appropriate
• Submit a software bill of materials to the FDA detailing firmware and other components of medical device software

HIPAA and GDPR rules on safeguarding patient data

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regulate how medical devices protect patient data.

HIPAA requires healthcare providers to protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The law also suggests encrypting data on medical devices, controls on accessing patient data, and comprehensive audit logs.

GDPR protects patient privacy. It requires organizations to gain consent before using medical devices to gather data and the anonymization of patient data. Like HIPAA, GDPR’s “privacy-by-design” model encourages encryption and data minimization (only collecting essential medical data).

Both HIPAA and GDPR levy significant penalties for data breaches. Device security is a core aspect of both frameworks.

For instance, the University of Rochester Medical Center received a $3 million fine from the Department of Health and Human Services for losing a hard drive containing protected health data. In 2015, the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center was penalized for failing to secure a CT scanner workstation.

NIST cybersecurity frameworks

The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) offers cybersecurity guidelines for device manufacturers and users. While not enforceable by law, NIST’s cybersecurity framework explains how to:

• Create secure and interoperable medical networks
• Manage cybersecurity risks when storing medical data in the cloud
• Apply quality control procedures in device manufacturing
• Secure network communications within health settings
• Ensure security measures meet the needs of healthcare professionals

ISO/IEC 80001: Managing device security risks

Similarly, ISO/IEC 80001 sets out an IT risk management framework for medical devices and is a valuable complement to NIST documents.

ISO recommends collaboration between device vendors and end users to assess and mitigate security risks. Device users should assess cybersecurity risks before deploying devices and apply continuous risk assessment throughout the product lifecycle. The risk management process includes proactively identifying and mitigating emerging data security threats.

The ISO approach works well because it balances cybersecurity standards with patient safety and performance. Systems should meet user needs while securing data and complying with relevant regulations.

Best practices for securing medical devices

The size of compliance penalties and the reputational harm caused by data breaches make cybersecurity solutions essential. But how should you secure medical devices against cybersecurity threats?

Security solutions vary between medical contexts. However, here are some general best practices for cybersecurity in medical devices:

Understand your device landscape

The number of medical devices used by a healthcare provider can rapidly grow, especially when patients take monitoring devices home. Every device is a potential endpoint and security risk. Each device needs security protection.

Start by creating a comprehensive device inventory. Create processes to update and audit the inventory, bringing all devices under your security umbrella.

Inventory software and hardware

Medical devices must be physically secure, with measures to prevent theft and unauthorized access. However, cybersecurity measures must also secure device firmware. Log current software versions and use automated tools to update medical device software as needed.

Check for end-of-life devices as well. Medical devices become obsolete as new technology appears. Older versions often create security risks and require prompt replacement.

Carry out a comprehensive risk assessment

When you have an accurate inventory, it’s vital to assess the risks posed by cyber threats. In this context, third-party risk assessment makes sense.

Cybersecurity experts with medical device experience understand the threats faced by healthcare organizations, how to prioritize risks, and suitable mitigation options.

Secure sensitive assets with network segmentation

Segmentation creates barriers between network assets. Placing sensitive data within protected segments ensures that attackers cannot access patient records if they gain access to devices.

Additionally, access controls and multi-factor authentication should protect patient information. Users should not be able to access protected information with just a username and password combination.

Work closely with vendors to understand device security

When sourcing medical devices, ask vendors to disclose security features and potential vulnerabilities. Consult vendors to execute a risk assessment for new devices and request a software bill of materials. This assists IT teams when securing device software and makes it easier to manage updates.

Monitor devices and detect threats

Apply intrusion detection systems (IDS) across all medical devices. Deploy continuous monitoring to detect malware or malicious user activity, and feed security alerts into a streamlined incident response plan.

The future of medical device cybersecurity

Medical device security is a dynamic field. Technology is evolving rapidly as medical internet-of-things (MIoT) devices proliferate, providing new ways to detect and counter cyber threats.

For instance, AI and machine learning can analyze network activity to track anomalies and identify attacks at an early stage. Speed increases offered by 5G connectivity supplement AI, enabling real-time activity tracking and reliable data transmission.

Our models for thinking about medical device security are also changing. Forward-thinking healthcare organizations now focus on Zero Trust concepts. Devices request verification for each user action and limit user capabilities according to least-privilege principles.

AI, 5G, and Zero Trust approaches are part of tomorrow’s cybersecurity toolkit. These technologies also reflect a trend toward enhanced collaboration between vendors, users, and regulators.

Work with NordLayer to secure your medical devices

Companies benefit from cloud-connected medical devices to learn about patients and deliver personalized treatment. But, as we’ve seen, medical devices bring security risks. Healthcare cybersecurity solutions are critical.

NordLayer can help you secure devices and serve patients securely and efficiently. Prevent unauthorized access with Identity and Access Management solutions and transfer data safely via Secure Remote Access. Conceal data in transit from attackers via AES 256 or ChaCha20 encryption, monitor 2FA adoption, and Share Gateway access in a centralized Control Panel dashboard.

Balance medical technology, ease of use, and cybersecurity. Contact the NordLayer team and solve your medical device security worries.

Data breaches happen when criminals bypass network security measures and steal data that should remain private. When that happens, they can sell the data on the Dark Web or use it in identity theft attacks or targeted phishing campaigns.

Unfortunately, mitigating data breaches is far from simple. Attackers have many weapons, from phishing and ransomware to exploits, SQL injection, and insider threats. Every attack technique demands a response, as one loose end can leave an entire network exposed.

This article will introduce the critical types of data breaches and mitigation measures to secure your data.

Key takeaways

• Data breaches are extremely costly. The average data breach costs $4.88 million, while reputational harm can be permanent. Mitigation measures are critically important.
• Phishing is the most common data breach type. Phishers rely on human error and lack of knowledge to encourage unsafe behavior. Dark web scanning and employee training are effective responses.
• Ransomware locks data and devices, enabling data theft by attackers. Companies need robust malware protection to avoid infection. File scanning is an essential mitigation measure.
• Insider threats and physical theft can also expose data. Encrypt sensitive data to counter thieves and monitor user activity to detect malicious insiders.
• Other data breach causes include SQL injection, man-in-the-middle attacks, supply chain attacks, cloud misconfiguration, and weak passwords. Each attack requires attention and mitigation actions.
• Specialist data security tools can help you avoid costly breaches. Implement dark web scans to detect compromised data and use business VPNs to block infiltrators.

Phishing attacks: The most common type of data breach

Phishers use persuasion and deception to obtain confidential information from their victims, and they often succeed. According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Report, 68% of data breaches start with human error.

All organizations are vulnerable to social engineering attacks. If your employees use email and share information online, phishing is a critical data breach risk.

The most common form of phishing involves using fake emails that resemble messages from trusted sources. Recipients download malware-infected attachments, which harvest data from their devices. Alternatively, they might click links to fake websites where phony data entry forms request sensitive data.

However, email phishing is not the only variety. Phishers might use SMS messages, phone calls, or video messages (vishing) to achieve their aims.

Whatever method attackers use, the outcome is similar. Victims unwittingly provide personal details, financial information, or login credentials. Criminals use that data to launch identity theft attacks or steal data after accessing private network assets.

Detecting phished credentials before attackers use them

Phishers are challenging adversaries, but companies can strengthen their defenses with dark web scanning.

Criminals use underground marketplaces on the Dark Web to sell stolen credentials and personal information. Criminal groups then use that data in targeted attacks, including large-scale data theft.

Dark web scanners monitor underground marketplaces and provide early warnings about data theft. Victims learn rapidly if their credentials are available for sale. This creates a critical window to reset passwords and secure user accounts before data breaches arise.

We recommend working with expert partners to track your data on the Dark Web. A Dark Web scan for leaked emails and credentials can identify risks and give you time to block phishing attacks.

In addition to dark web scanning, organizations must arrange employee training so employees can understand phishing risks. Most phishing attacks succeed due to human error. Regular training exercises refresh employee knowledge and help users identify risky attachments or links.

Ransomware cyber-attacks

Ransomware is malicious software that locks devices and encrypts data until victims pay a ransom.

Early ransomware attacks focused on financial gain, but this is changing. Attackers routinely steal data if the ransom is not paid. However, data loss is still possible when victims pay in full. The bottom line is that ransomware attacks always put customer data at risk.

For example, the US health company Change Healthcare suffered a ransomware attack in early 2024 by the ALPHV/Blackcat group. Attackers did not just extract a $22 million ransom payment; they stole 4TB of patient data in a so-called “exit scam.”

In total, around 190 million individuals were affected by a single malware infection. Companies need robust defensive measures to secure data and prevent similar incidents.

Reducing ransomware risk with automated malware detection

Best practices to prevent malware attacks include using up-to-date intrusion detection systems and malware scanners. Companies should encrypt confidential information and train staff to avoid phishing emails.

However, it pays to adopt a defense-in-depth with download protection. Companies rely on file transfers from internal and external sources. Any file could carry ransomware agents, making accurate file scanning essential across all devices and endpoints.

Scanning tools ensure malware protection by allowing harmless traffic and identifying high-risk files. A focused approach avoids false alarms, allowing security teams to concentrate on critical ransomware risks.

Insider threats

Insider threats come from individuals or groups inside your organization or partner companies. These data breach threats are hard to detect. Insiders tend to possess legitimate credentials and have high trust levels. If they choose to extract and sell data, security teams may not know until it is too late.

There are two main types of insider threats. The most common variety is accidental data exposure via human error. For instance. employees may expose personal records in public places or share data with outsiders.

Deliberate data theft is less common but potentially more destructive. Unhappy employees with access to business databases could extract client data for sale to competitors or sell the information to criminal collectives.

Businesses must guard against both insider threat types to fine-tune their data breach strategy. Effective security measures include:

• Using Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools. DLP monitors the status of critical data, logging access patterns and user actions. These tools can prevent unsafe transfers or request additional credentials to protect sensitive data.
• Training employees. Staff need to know what data exposure means and how to safely handle information.
• Managing privileges. Apply the principle of least privilege to limit access to data, and remove network access immediately when staff leave the organization.

Third-party breaches

Anyone with legitimate credentials can launch data theft attacks. This includes trusted third parties, who are often subject to supply chain attacks.

For example, the 2019 SolarWinds attack injected the Orion performance monitoring software with malware. When SolarWinds distributed Orion updates, the malicious code executed, exposing the data of 18,000 customers.

Attackers effectively turn third-party tools into backdoors. Until the supplier patches the vulnerability, criminals can extract data from compromised customers. In the SolarWinds case, hackers lurked for months on client networks, monitoring activity and stealing sensitive information.

Defending against third-party risks is tough. However, companies can manage risks with robust third-party security assessments, limiting vendor privileges, and integrating supply chain attacks into incident response plans.

Weak passwords

User credentials are a critical vulnerability when preventing data breaches. Breaches often happen when employees reuse the same password or rely on similar passwords for each account. In these cases, unauthorized individuals gain access by guessing access credentials—often based on stolen data.

However, criminals don’t need prior knowledge of user behavior. They can use brute force attacks to guess passwords. Alternatively, they might use phishing techniques to persuade users to enter their passwords into fake login portals.

There are many ways to work around password and user name login systems. Moreover, successful attackers appear trustworthy, creating a window of opportunity to extract sensitive information.

Robust network security measures are essential. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for network access, which requires strong, regularly changed passwords. Threat detection systems should also monitor endpoints to detect multiple failed logins, which are often the signature of credential-stuffing attacks.

Unpatched vulnerabilities lead to preventable data breaches

Unpatched software and outdated systems are tempting targets for data thieves. The 2024 Verizon Data Breach Report found that exploits account for 14% of known data breaches. However, while that number sounds low, exploit attacks rose 180% in the previous year. As Verizon puts it, we are experiencing an “exploitation boom.”

The Equifax data breach shows how damaging exploits can be. In 2017, the credit rating giant suffered one of history’s largest breaches following an attack on outdated Apache Struts 2 servers. A simple vulnerability led to massive data breach costs, including a $425 million settlement and free credit monitoring for 150 million victims of the breach.

Keep confidential data safe by implementing a proactive patch management strategy. Automate patch delivery where possible, and audit updates to ensure internet-facing apps and devices are current. Threat intelligence can also help by alerting security teams to emerging exploits.

Cloud misconfigurations and data security failures

In today’s digital economy, about 60% of corporate data resides in the cloud. This makes cloud platforms common targets for data thieves. It also means that companies need secure cloud configurations to block unauthorized access.

For example, cloud storage buckets containing confidential information should never be directly accessible from the public internet. Encryption and segmentation should separate sensitive data from external actors, with robust access controls. However, misconfigurations can leave data buckets exposed.

Companies may secure data but forget about access management tools—making it easy to gain access and move between cloud resources. Sometimes, IT teams don’t remove obsolete cloud deployments, raising exploit risks.

Cloud security is vital. Implement MFA and attribute-based identity verification to block threat actors. Ensure critical data remains secure and isolated from the public internet, and encrypt data in transit and at rest on cloud platforms.

Physical device theft

All of the talk about exploits and ransomware attacks can be deceptive. While digital data breaches are common, physical security breaches are just as important. Companies can’t focus all of their energy on cybersecurity and forget about physical devices.

Physical data breaches involve unauthorized individuals gaining access to private network devices. Criminals might break into data centers or offices and steal devices or access applications on-site. However, data theft can also happen when employees lose work laptops or smartphones in public places.

This type of attack is common in the healthcare sector. In 2018, thieves stole the laptop of a Coplin Health Systems employee from their automobile. The device was not encrypted, allowing attackers to harvest data from 43,000 patients.

Nothing had changed by 2024, when criminals stole a TimeDoc employee’s laptop on public transport. While the device was password-protected, patient data was not encrypted.

What can you do to avoid similar incidents? Take robust security measures regarding using laptops outside work. Encrypt all sensitive data and require 2FA or MFA for work devices. That way, thieves usually won’t be able to access and sell client data.

SQL injection

SQL injection attacks target website code, allowing criminals to access application backends and confidential databases.

These types of data breaches rely on poor code management and data entry forms that fail to sanitize user inputs. Instead of blocking malicious SQL queries, forms allow attackers to bypass authentication processes or even retrieve all user records.

For example, in 2023 the ResumeLooters collective mounted SQL attacks on 65 employment websites, looting data for sale on Chinese Telegram groups. Both Sony and Marriott Hotels have also fallen victim to SQL injection in recent years, suffering significant data breaches.

Avoid similar breaches by improving your data security practices. Filter database inputs and separate databases from initial login portals. Ensure you sanitize every query to identify malicious inputs, and audit code regularly to ensure ongoing protection.

Man-in-the-Middle attacks

Our final cause of data breaches places attackers between victims and internet resources. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks intercept traffic without the victim’s knowledge, allowing them to monitor data transfers and conversations.

Attackers can track online activity, or use keyloggers to harvest login credentials and credit card numbers. They can also redirect users to fake websites that resemble trusted originals but actually contain malicious data entry forms.

MITM attacks are commonly associated with remote work. Attackers create fake Wi-Fi hotspots that seem legitimate and linked to an actual location. Connecting to these hotspots allows attackers to seize control, compromising data transfers from remote devices.

Cut Man-in-the-Middle attack risks with VPN protection

The good news about Man-in-the-Middle attacks is that encryption makes them much less effective. Attackers cannot easily understand encrypted traffic and tend to move on to other targets.

We advise using a Business VPN to encrypt web traffic at all times. Business VPNs encrypt traffic on cloud platforms and on-premises networks, while also protecting remote connections. This significantly cuts the risk of eavesdroppers using MitM techniques.

You can also strengthen security measures with Always On VPN functionality. This feature applies VPN coverage to all internet connections and cuts connectivity if the VPN drops. There are no vulnerable moments. Encryption applies consistently, across all network devices.

The real impact and cost of a data breach

The list above shows there are many ways to carry out data breaches. But what are the real-world costs of these techniques, and do they justify investing in advanced security measures? In our opinion, the stats below prove that the benefits of security easily outweigh the financial costs:

• The average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million—up 10% from 2023 [IBM]
• In 2025, the average cost of an insider threat attack is $17.4 million, up from $16.2 million in 2023 [Ponemon]
• Exploit attacks increased by 180% from 2023-2024 [Verizon]
• Companies suffering data breaches see their sales growth fall by 3.2% and lose 1.1% of their market value [NBER]
• 60% of consumers won’t do business with companies that suffer data breaches [Chain Store Age]

How NordLayer can help with data breach prevention

Data is everything in the modern economy, where businesses rise or fall based on their capacity to collect and analyze information. However, as data becomes more valuable, it also becomes a bigger target. Data breach risks require streamlined security solutions.

That’s where NordLayer comes in.

Our Business VPN encrypts network connections, shielding data from eavesdroppers and unauthorized infiltrators—cutting Man-in-the-Middle attack risks. Meanwhile, dark web scanning tools check underground marketplaces for compromised data, enabling proactive strategies before attacks occur.

NordLayer also helps defend against phishing and malware threats. DNS filtering tools block access to malicious websites, while Download Protection detects and prevents accidental malware downloads.

To mitigate insider risks, NordLayer enables network segmentation through Cloud Firewall features, which contain potential threats within isolated environments. Zero Trust policies ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data.

Want to strengthen your data breach defenses? Contact the NordLayer team today. We’ll help you upgrade your data security and keep sensitive information safe.