What are External Database Breaches
External database breaches refer to incidents where unauthorized parties gain access to sensitive information stored in databases belonging to an organization from outside sources. These breaches typically involve cyberattacks targeting databases containing valuable data such as customer information, financial records, intellectual property, and more. External database breaches can occur due to various vulnerabilities in the organization's network infrastructure, software applications, or security protocols.
These examples highlight the significant impact of external database breaches on the security and privacy of user information, particularly passwords and email addresses. Such breaches underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits, to protect sensitive data stored in databases from unauthorized access and exploitation.
Examples
- LinkedIn Data Breach - In 2012, professional networking platform LinkedIn suffered a data breach where hackers gained unauthorized access to their user database. The breach compromised over 6.5 million encrypted passwords, which were subsequently posted online by the attackers. While the passwords were hashed, weak encryption methods made it possible for attackers to crack a significant portion of them, potentially exposing users' login credentials. Additionally, email addresses associated with the compromised accounts were also exposed.
- Facebook Data Breach - In 2019, Facebook announced a significant data breach that exposed the passwords of hundreds of millions of Facebook and Instagram users. The breach occurred due to a series of security lapses that allowed millions of user passwords to be stored in plaintext on internal company servers. While Facebook did not report any evidence of unauthorized access by external parties, the incident raised concerns about the platform's data handling practices and user privacy.
- MobiKwik Data Breach - In 2021, Indian mobile payments company MobiKwik suffered a data breach where the personal information of over 100 million users, including email addresses and hashed passwords, was reportedly exposed on the dark web. The breach raised concerns about the security of users' financial data and highlighted vulnerabilities in MobiKwik's systems. While the company denied the severity of the breach, independent cybersecurity researchers verified the authenticity of the leaked data.
How to respond to External Database Breaches?
- Change Your Passwords - Immediately change the passwords for any accounts associated with the leaked credentials. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and consider enabling multi-factor authentication where available for added security.
- Monitor Your Accounts - Regularly monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity or suspicious transactions. Check your account statements and transaction history for signs of fraudulent activity, and report any unauthorized transactions to the respective financial institution or service provider.
- Alert Relevant Parties - If your leaked credentials include sensitive information such as credit card numbers or social security numbers, consider contacting relevant financial institutions or government agencies to alert them of the potential risk of identity theft or fraud.
- Update Security Settings - Review and update the security settings on your accounts to enhance protection against unauthorized access. This may include reviewing privacy settings, enabling account recovery options, and setting up alerts for suspicious login attempts.
- Consider Credit Monitoring - If your leaked credentials include sensitive financial information, consider signing up for a credit monitoring service to monitor for any unauthorized credit inquiries or changes to your credit report.
- Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts - Be vigilant for phishing attempts or scam emails that may attempt to exploit the breach to trick you into disclosing further personal information. Exercise caution when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.