As the sun rose, a well-known law firm prepared for a day filled with client meetings and case reviews. They didn’t know they were about to face a digital security threat. 

John, a hardworking attorney who often seemed to have too much on his plate, got an email. It looked like a standard message about updating the system. The email asked him to act quickly to keep his account safe.

John clicked on a link in the email, which was actually a trap. This mistake allowed threat actors to get into the firm’s system, putting sensitive client information and internal documents at risk.

This can happen to any organization. Let’s dive into this topic to see how to prevent unauthorized access.

Key takeaways

• Unauthorized access means someone gets into a system, network, or storage they shouldn’t, caused by software issues, stolen login info, or skipped security measures.

• Simple passwords or outdated software are common reasons for unauthorized data access, making it easy for cybercriminals to access or steal important information.

• To stop this, update systems, use strong passwords, train employees on security, encrypt data, and ensure Wi-Fi is secure.

• NordLayer helps by checking who is using the system or device, making it easier to see and follow data protection laws.

• With NordLayer, businesses can better manage their networks and detect unauthorized access early, helping avoid data breaches and the loss of money or reputation.

What is unauthorized access?

Unauthorized access occurs when someone enters a computer system, network, or data storage area without permission or exceeds their allowed access. It can happen by exploiting software flaws, using stolen login information, or bypassing security measures to protect digital assets.

When someone gains unauthorized access, it puts the privacy, security, and availability of information at risk. This can lead to severe problems for data protection, security, and how well the system works.

Imagine an employee who should only see information from the human resources department. But they find a colleague’s computer, which is already logged into the finance department’s systems. The employee looks through and takes sensitive financial reports without being allowed to.

This is a case of unauthorized access because the employee uses this chance to see data they shouldn’t, breaking the company’s rules and possibly going against laws that protect data privacy. By addressing vulnerabilities, organizations can better defend against unauthorized access and its potential consequences.

Why does unauthorized access occur?

Unauthorized access happens for many reasons, involving both technology issues and human actions. People can get into places they shouldn’t be in digital systems, seeing or taking sensitive information they don’t have the right to access. Let’s take a look at some examples.

Human factors. People can accidentally help attackers gain access. This might happen if they use easy-to-guess passwords, like ‘password123,’ or are tricked by fake emails asking for their login details. It’s similar to accidentally giving a thief your house keys. Not knowing about these risks or how to avoid them makes it easier for these mistakes to happen.

Technological vulnerabilities. One of the primary reasons unauthorized access occurs is due to weaknesses in software and hardware systems. Cybercriminals exploit these vulnerabilities, which may exist because of outdated systems, unpatched software, or insecure web applications. Such vulnerabilities open the door for attackers to infiltrate systems and access sensitive information without permission.

Inadequate security measures. Sometimes, the problem is that there isn’t enough security in place. This could mean not having a good way to check who’s entering your network (like network access control solutions), not keeping information safe (like encrypting sensitive data), or not watching the network closely to spot trouble. It’s as if a building doesn’t have enough guards or security cameras.

Clever tricks by criminals. Cybercriminals use more and more sophisticated methods and gain more resources. This includes advanced phishing schemes, social engineering tactics, malware, and ransomware attacks, all designed to either steal credentials directly or to exploit users’ actions to gain unauthorized access.

Threat actors devise new tricks to get past security, like zero-day vulnerabilities. Also, they use new malware—software that can damage your computer; or ransomware, which locks your files until you pay a ransom. 560,000 new pieces of malware are detected every day, and there are now more than 1 billion malware programs circulating. These methods are constantly changing and can be hard to catch.

Unauthorized access consequences

Unauthorized access can lead to serious problems for both people and organizations. It’s important to understand these issues and focus on solid cybersecurity measures.

1. Data breaches. Sensitive data is in danger when someone gains unauthorized access. This situation can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and a big drop in trust from customers and partners.

2. Financial loss. The costs of dealing with unauthorized access can add up quickly. Organizations may have to pay for investigations, legal fees, and letting affected people know what happened. They might also face fines for not following data protection laws and lose business.

3. Reputational damage. A security breach can badly damage how people see an organization. Customers might start to doubt if their sensitive information is safe, which can make them less loyal and decrease business.

4. Operational disruption. If unauthorized data access affects critical systems, it can stop business operations. Getting back to normal takes time and money, adding to the financial loss.

5. Legal and regulatory consequences. Companies could face legal issues and fines if they don’t meet data protection regulations. This makes dealing with a security breach even more complicated and expensive.

6. Loss of intellectual property. If someone steals intellectual property through unauthorized access, it can hurt an organization’s competitive edge and revenue.

7. Compromised personal safety. Leaked personal information can put people at risk of physical harm or harassment.

Real-life examples of unauthorized access

Unauthorized access can happen in many ways. It often takes advantage of technical weaknesses and human errors.

Here are five ways unauthorized access can happen in businesses, explained simply:

• Phishing attacks. Imagine getting an email that looks like it’s from someone you trust at work, asking you to click a link and log in. If you do, cybercriminals can enter the company’s network with your details. For instance, Twitter (now X) faced a significant phishing attack in 2020, where attackers targeted employees to gain access to high-profile accounts and trick people into sending money.

• Weak passwords. If someone tries common passwords, they might just guess yours, especially if it’s a simple one. A weak password can cause data breaches or harm your reputation. Take the 2020 incident with SolarWinds. Although the main breach was due to a supply chain attack, a separate issue was a weak password, ‘solarwinds123,’ used by an intern. This drew criticism from US lawmakers and pointed out a lapse in security.

• Outdated software. Not updating your software can leave open doors for attackers. The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 is a stark example. It affected thousands of computers worldwide because they hadn’t updated their Windows systems.

• Insider threats. Sometimes, the danger comes from within. A Tesla incident in 2023 showed how former employees could take sensitive information and share it outside the company, putting personal data at risk.

• Social engineering. This is when bad actors pretend to be someone you trust to get access to the company’s network. They might act like a boss in a hurry, asking for data or access they shouldn’t have. Old, but still very effective. For example, Mailchimp experienced a breach in the summer of 2022 and then again in January 2023 due to social engineering. In both instances, an intruder accessed internal tools and compromised data on 133 Mailchimp accounts.

10 ways to prevent unauthorized access

Strong password policies

Setting up strong password policies is an essential first step in preventing unauthorized access. This means requiring passwords that mix letters, numbers, and special characters, which are hard for attackers to guess.

Changing passwords regularly and not using the same password for different accounts helps keep data safe. For example, making it a rule to change passwords every three months can greatly lower the risk of a security breach.

Regular software updates

Updating software regularly is crucial for protecting against cyber threats. These updates often fix security weaknesses that could let attackers in. By keeping your software up to date, you can avoid data breaches that exploit old vulnerabilities.

Use of multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by needing more than one proof of identity to access systems. This means that even if a password gets stolen, it’s still hard for unauthorized people to get into sensitive information. MFA is a powerful way to reduce the chance of unauthorized data access and keep accounts safe.

Employee security awareness training

Teaching employees about security and how to spot phishing and other cyber threats is key to stopping unauthorized access. This training helps employees understand how they can protect sensitive data and spot attempts to gain unauthorized access, reducing the chance of a security breach because of human error.

Network access control (NAC) solutions

NAC solutions help businesses set up rules for who can access their networks, playing a crucial role in catching and stopping unauthorized access. They make sure that only allowed users and devices that meet security standards can connect, which is vital for keeping sensitive information safe.

Data encryption

Encrypting data, no matter if it’s stored or being sent, is essential to keep it secure from unauthorized eyes. Encryption is a key part of protecting data, especially when it comes to keeping sensitive data safe from outside threats and potential breaches.

Secure Wi-Fi networks

Making Wi-Fi networks secure with strong encryption like WPA3 and hiding the network name can stop unauthorized access from outside. Having a separate network for guests can help keep the main network, which holds sensitive information, safer from threats.

Regular security audits and assessments

Doing regular security checks and assessments is important to find and fix weaknesses that could allow unauthorized access. These checks are crucial for keeping your security strong and making sure your data protection measures are up to date.

Access management policies

Strict access management policies make sure employees only have access to the information they need for their jobs, reducing the risk of internal threats and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Limiting access to sensitive data to those who really need it can help prevent internal data breaches.

Incident response plan

Having a detailed incident response plan is important for quickly dealing with unauthorized access and managing the situation after a security breach. This plan should include steps for isolating affected systems, informing stakeholders, and getting operations back to normal, which helps minimize damage and recover faster from attacks.

How NordLayer can help

NordLayer helps businesses strengthen their digital defenses and block unauthorized access. Its NAC solutions authenticate users and devices, offering secure access across different platforms. This approach not only helps in preventing unauthorized access but also keeps an eye on the network, allowing businesses act fast when they spot potential threats.

NordLayer gives companies a clear view of their network, showing which devices have permission and making sure they meet strict data protection rules like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.

Moreover, with NordLayer’s tools for network visibility and threat prevention, businesses can deeply understand what’s happening on their networks and take steps to stop threats before they can gain unauthorized access. These tools reduce the chance of data breaches and help businesses avoid financial and reputational harm.

By mixing information on activities, server use, and device conditions, NordLayer makes unauthorized access hard. Contact our sales team to protect your networks, keep sensitive data safe, and keep your customers’ and partners’ trust.

Imagine you find out the most private details of your DNA, only to have them spilled out for anyone to see. That’s the scare 23andMe users faced when a big data breach hit, turning their quest for genetic discovery into a privacy nightmare.

This mishap shook trust in the company, leaving many to question the safety of their most personal data. For the CEO and investors, the data breach was a disaster, crashing stock values and challenging the company’s future.

This breach was a stark reminder of the fine line between innovation and privacy. In the U.S., data breach incidents have peaked, with a nearly 20% increase in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period last year. Additionally, 98% of companies have felt the impact through vendors who’ve experienced breaches in the past two years.

Let’s explore how to prevent data breaches and protect sensitive information in risky environments.

Key takeaways

• The U.S. data breach rate surged by nearly 20% in early 2023, so the need for robust data security measures is growing.

• The main reasons why data breaches occur include phishing, cloud misconfigurations, zero-day vulnerabilities, and third-party attacks.

• Implementing a strong password policy, regular training and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are critical steps in data breach prevention and protecting customer data.

• NordLayer helps achieve Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Service Edge (SSE) frameworks that reduce data breach risks.

• A comprehensive security strategy is essential for data breach prevention.

Why a data breach can happen

Data leaks are big problems for organizations. They lead to lost sensitive data, damaged trust, and high costs. Breaches happen differently, each finding a weak spot in a company’s digital or physical defenses. Knowing about data breach methods helps organizations strengthen their defenses and keep their data safe.

Social engineering and phishing

Social engineering has been around for a long time, yet it remains a highly effective method for causing data leaks. Despite widespread awareness about the risks of clicking on links in suspicious emails, a surprising number of data leaks—up to 90%—involve some form of social engineering.

Social engineering is the art of manipulating people into giving up confidential information or performing actions that grant access to secured systems and corporate data. It’s like someone dressing up as a postal worker and convincing you to hand over your house keys. This method works well because it tricks people, not machines.

Cloud misconfigurations

Imagine leaving your house with the front door unlocked. That’s similar to cloud misconfigurations. They happen when cloud settings aren’t appropriately secured, like leaving security features off or setting them up wrongly. This makes it easy for attackers to access data stored online. Because so many companies use cloud services, such mistakes are common and can lead to big problems.

Zero-day vulnerabilities

A zero-day vulnerability is a flaw in software or hardware that attackers find and use before the makers can fix it. It’s like a hidden weak floorboard in a new house that nobody knows about until someone steps on it and falls. Zero-day vulnerability attacks are rare but can cause much damage because there’s no defense against them at first.

Attacking the security flaws of vendors

This happens when attackers find a weak spot in the systems of companies that your organization works with. In 2022, the number of supply chain attacks jumped by 633%. They are still a big problem. For example, in June 2023, a group of threat actors from North Korea got into JumpCloud, which is a company that provides software services, by exploiting weaknesses not directly in JumpCloud but in another company they trusted. If the companies you share your data with aren’t careful, your data might be in danger, too. When we share data, we hope the other company will protect it well. Sadly, this doesn’t always happen.

Malware

Malware is a sneaky bug that gets into your computer to spy on you or steal things. Attackers send harmful software in emails or through websites. Once it’s on a computer, it can steal sensitive data. Keeping software up to date and being careful about what you download can help keep malware out.

Credential stuffing methods

Credential stuffing is when attackers use stolen passwords to try to get into many different accounts. It’s like someone finding a key and trying it in every door in the neighborhood to see which ones it can open. People often use the same password for many accounts, which makes this method very effective. To guard against this, having rules for strong passwords in your organization is a good step. It’s also smart to change passwords often, use a password manager, and make sure you don’t use the same password more than once.

Outdated or unpatched software

Using old or unpatched software is like having a lock that everyone knows how to pick because it’s old and the maker never improved it. Attackers look for software that hasn’t been updated because it’s easier to break into. Keeping software up to date is a simple but important way to protect data.

How to prevent data breaches

Keeping data safe is essential for protecting private information, earning people’s trust, and avoiding money problems. Using a mix of smart tech fixes and teaching your team about safety can help stop unauthorized access to your data. Let’s break down how to do this in simple steps anyone can follow.

Teach your team regularly

Since 9 out of 10 data breach incidents begin with phishing, often due to simple mistakes, setting up regular training for your team is crucial. Most importantly, your team will learn to spot phishing emails—fake messages designed to steal sensitive data. Also, these sessions should cover how to create strong passwords, the importance of not sharing sensitive information, and what steps to take if they suspect a data breach threat. Making this training a routine ensures everyone stays sharp and ready to protect your organization’s data.

Make strong passwords a must

Using weak passwords is like using a flimsy lock on your door. To combat this, enforce a policy requiring solid and complex passwords. These passwords should be a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, making them hard to guess.

Encourage or require password changes every few months to keep things even more secure. This simple step can significantly reduce data breach chances.

Add an extra lock—multi-factor authentication

MFA adds a crucial layer of security. It’s a way to ensure that even if a password gets stolen, there’s still another barrier keeping intruders out.

MFA can include something you know (like a password), something you have (like a smartphone app that generates a code), or something you are (like a fingerprint or facial recognition). This method significantly lowers the risk of someone else accessing your accounts.

Keep everything up to date

Software developers release updates not just for new features but to fix security gaps that threat actors could exploit. By staying on top of these updates, you’re essentially replacing old locks with new ones regularly.

This doesn’t just apply to your security software but to all software used in your business.

Don’t let everyone in every room

Think of your organization’s data like a house with many rooms. Not everyone needs a key to every room—just the ones they need to enter for their work.

This approach is called ‘least privilege,’ and it greatly lowers the risk of sensitive information getting out by mistake or on purpose.

Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems and tools like NordLayer’s Cloud Firewall are like giving out specific keys for specific doors. They help manage who can access certain pieces of information.

It’s also crucial to check the security measures of outside companies with access to your data. They might accidentally leave a window open for threat actors to climb through.

Build a strong fence—network security

Imagine surrounding your data with a high-tech fence. This fence, made up of firewalls and encryption, keeps your data safe from intruders.

Firewalls act as the gatekeepers, deciding what traffic can enter or leave your network. Encryption scrambles your data, so even if someone manages to grab it, they can’t understand it.

Together, they create a strong barrier that spots and stops threat actors before they can reach your confidential information.

Trust no one

Zero-trust security is like not letting anyone into your house without verifying their identity every single time, even if you recognize them.

In the digital world, this means not automatically trusting anyone inside or outside your organization. Everyone must prove they are who they say they are and that they really need access to the information they’re asking for.

This approach ensures that only the right people get access to the right data, reducing the chance of a data breach. It’s a way of keeping your digital doors locked tight, even if someone has managed to get past the fence.

Have a plan if a data breach happens

Even with the best precautions, things can still go sideways. That’s why having a response plan is crucial.

This plan outlines what to do, who to call, and how to communicate during a data breach. It helps you act quickly to limit damage and start the recovery process. Practicing this plan ensures everyone knows their role in an emergency, making it easier to stay calm and organized when every second counts.

Keep copies of important stuff

Backing up your data means quickly restoring what was lost and keeping your business moving without missing a beat.

It’s a safety net that ensures even in the worst-case scenario—like a ransomware attack or a natural disaster—you can recover your essential data. Regularly updating and storing these backups in a secure, offsite location or cloud service adds an extra layer of security.

Improve your data security with NordLayer

NordLayer offers solutions that support the Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) framework, a key strategy in modern data security. ZTNA works on the idea that nobody should be trusted automatically. It asks for verification from anyone trying to access the system. This method makes sure that only people who are supposed to see sensitive data can get to it, greatly lowering the chance of a data breach. NordLayer enhances this by checking who is trying to access what and the security of their devices. This stops unauthorized people from getting in and helps prevent data breaches.

NordLayer also helps companies use the Security Service Edge (SSE) framework, which efficiently protects corporate data and customer data. SSE combines several essential security tools into one service that’s based in the cloud. This includes things like firewalls as a service and ways to keep web browsing safe. Using SSE, companies can move faster and are better at stopping, spotting, and dealing with online dangers. SSE makes sure that only safe web use is allowed, keeping companies in line with their rules. It also uses a method where no trust is assumed; trust must be earned continuously. This means better protection against identity theft and more control over who gets to access what in the cloud.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact our sales team. They’re ready to help you.