Common Causes of Data Breaches

Common causes of data breaches include human error, phishing and social engineering, weak or stolen credentials, malware and ransomware, unpatched software vulnerabilities, insider threats, and third-party weaknesses.

Human-Related Factors

Human error tops breach causes, accounting for over 50% in some reports, often through phishing where users click malicious links or share credentials. Social engineering tricks individuals into revealing sensitive information, while insiders—negligent or malicious—misuse access to data.

Technical Factors

Weak passwords and compromised credentials enable unauthorized entry, frequently combined with unpatched applications that leave exploitable vulnerabilities. Malware, including ransomware, infiltrates via phishing or weak spots, locking or stealing data. Third-party risks amplify issues when vendors expose connected systems.