What Is A Cyber Security Breach?

In 2024, over 80% of reported data breaches involved human error or stolen credentials. That means most cyber incidents aren’t the result of elite hackers cracking advanced firewalls. Instead, they’re caused by everyday slip-ups, weak passwords or overlooked software updates.

So, what is a cyber security breach exactly? And how can it affect your business? In this guide, we’ll explain how breaches happen, what they can lead to, and the key steps you can take to protect your systems, data and people.

What is a cyber security breach?

A cyber security breach happens when someone who shouldn’t be able to access your systems, networks or data manages to do so. It’s a type of security incident—like a digital break-in—where the attacker doesn’t force open a door, but instead sneaks in through a weak password, a phishing email or an unpatched vulnerability.

These breaches can lead to stolen personal data, identity theft, halted operations or even malicious software like ransomware. And it’s not just big companies at risk. Cyber criminals often target small and medium-sized businesses because their defences are easier to bypass.

How do cyber security breaches happen?

Most breaches don’t happen through high-tech hacking. They happen because of simple, avoidable gaps in security. Here are some of the most common ways breaches occur:

• Human error: Clicking on suspicious links, opening phishing emails, or accidentally exposing data. This often happens when employees are rushed or unaware of common scam tactics used by attackers.
• Weak or reused passwords: Easy-to-guess credentials are one of the most common entry points. Cyber criminals use tools to crack simple passwords in seconds or test stolen credentials across multiple platforms.
• Outdated software: Failing to install updates or patches leaves known vulnerabilities open. If a business hasn't updated its systems, hackers can take advantage of these unpatched vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive data like intellectual property.
• Lack of monitoring: Without 24/7 monitoring, threats can go undetected for weeks. This gives attackers more time to steal data, move across your network, or install malware.
• Unsecured devices: Lost or stolen laptops and phones without proper protection. If these devices don’t have encryption or remote wipe capabilities, anyone who finds them could access personal information or sensitive business documents.
• Insider threats: Disgruntled employees or careless internal users with access to sensitive systems or financial information. Not all threats come from outside. Someone within the business might misuse access or leak data intentionally or by mistake.
• Social engineering: Manipulating people into giving up access or information—for instance, tricking someone into sharing passwords or clicking malicious links. These attacks often appear legitimate, which is why cyber security awareness training is so important.

What can a breach lead to?

A cyber breach can have serious long-term consequences for your business. Even small breaches can cause major damage, including:

• Data theft or exposure: This includes sensitive information, financial details, like credit card numbers, or your business IP.  Once stolen, this data can be sold on the dark web or used to target your clients and partners.
• Downtime and lost productivity: Systems can be locked or taken offline entirely. This can bring operations to a standstill and stop your team from doing their jobs.
• Financial loss: From ransomware payments, fines, legal fees or recovery costs. Even a minor incident can result in thousands of dollars in direct and indirect losses, especially if malware attacks spread across systems.
• Reputational damage: Losing customer trust can be hard to recover from. Clients may hesitate to work with a business they perceive as careless with their data.
• Regulatory consequences: Especially for businesses in health, finance, or legal industries. Data breaches can lead to investigations, penalties, and the need to report incidents to authorities or clients.
• Stress and internal disruption: This is where your team ends up putting out metaphorical fires instead of doing their job. It drains resources, delays projects and can take weeks (or months) to fully resolve.

How to prevent a cyber security breach

Cyber threats can hit fast and unexpectedly. With the right practices in place, however, you can dramatically reduce the risk of a security incident. Here are seven key steps every business should take to stay protected:

1. Use multi-layered security

Combine tools like firewalls, antivirus software, endpoint protection and email filtering to cover all entry points. Each layer defends against different types of threats. This makes it much harder for attackers to slip through the cracks.

2. Keep your systems updated

Outdated software is one of the most common ways cyber criminals get in. Regularly installing patches and updates helps close known vulnerabilities and keeps your systems resilient against the latest threats.

3. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a second layer of protection to your login process, like a one-time code or authentication app. Even if a password is compromised, MFA can stop intruders from getting any further.

4. Train your team

Your people are often the first target in a cyber attack. Regular training helps staff identify phishing emails, suspicious links and risky behaviour. This turns them into your first line of defence rather than a weak spot.

5. Set strong password policies

Encourage the use of long, complex passwords and avoid password reuse across accounts. A password manager can help your team keep things secure without relying on memory.

6. Monitor 24/7

Cyber attacks don’t keep business hours. With continuous monitoring, threats can be detected and acted on before they cause serious damage, giving you peace of mind around the clock.

7. Back up your data

Regular, secure backups are your safety net. If a breach, social engineering attack or hardware failure occurs, a strong recovery plan means you can restore systems quickly and avoid costly downtime or data loss.

Protect your business from cyber threats today

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but so are we. With ADITS’ proactive monitoring, tailored IT solutions, and expert training, you can stay one step ahead of cyber criminals.

Reach out today for a consultation and let ADITS help you secure your systems, protect your intellectual property and safeguard your personal data.