What is a common cause of data breaches?

Unpatched software vulnerabilities are a well-known and common cause of data breaches due to the way they can be exploited by attackers. Software often has flaws or bugs that can provide entry points for unauthorized users to gain access to a system or network. When software is not regularly updated or patched, these vulnerabilities remain open, allowing cybercriminals to exploit them. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, data theft, or the deployment of malicious software.

The reality of the cybersecurity landscape highlights the importance of keeping software up to date. Regularly applying patches helps to rectify known vulnerabilities, significantly reducing the risk of a breach. In contrast, while network upgrades, controlled access management, and efficient data management are all important aspects of a robust cybersecurity strategy, they do not directly lead to breaches when managed effectively. Instead, they contribute to an organization’s overall security posture and can help mitigate potential risks.