Data breaches and data leaks differ in their intent and occurrence. A data breach involves intentional attacks by malicious actors, while a data leak occurs unintentionally due to technical failures or human errors.
* Data Breach:
* Definition: The unauthorized access and retrieval of sensitive information by an individual or group with malicious intent.
* Characteristics: Deliberate and targeted attacks aiming to steal or compromise data.
* Examples: Hacking, phishing, and malware attacks.
* Data Leak:
* Definition: The unintentional exposure of sensitive information due to negligence, technical failures, or human errors.
* Characteristics: Accidental and usually not intended to harm the organization.
* Examples: Misconfigured servers, accidental sharing of files, and lost or stolen devices.
* ISO/IEC 27001: Emphasizes the importance of protecting information against both intentional and unintentional disclosures.
* NIST SP 800-53: Recommends controls to prevent both data breaches and data leaks, highlighting the different nature of these threats.
Detailed Explanation:Cybersecurity References:Understanding the differences between data breaches and data leaks helps organizations implement appropriate measures to prevent both types of incidents.