Joanna Szabo  |  March 14, 2020

Category: Data Breach

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Cyber security is important because of potential data breachesCyber security has become an increasingly important focus for companies and organizations all over the world, including in the United States. The reason why cyber security is important is that huge amounts of sensitive information are available in digital spaces, and are therefore at risk of any cyber security threat.

As the number of cyber security breaches rises, compromising the sensitive information of thousands or even millions of people, companies, governments, and other organizations are investing more than ever into their cyber security systems.

Cyber Security Definition

At its core, cyber security is “the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information,” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

At this point, the use of computers and the internet affects almost every facet of our lives, from personal or business communication to shopping to medicine to finances, which means that a vast swath of personal and sensitive information exists, for most people, in digital spaces.

Why Cyber Security is Important

A huge amount of information is passed through data channels every day, a lot of it very sensitive. Banks, hospitals, and government agencies alike store and send information via data channels, which is why cyber security is important.

While there is no method of guaranteeing perfect cyber security, it is important to do all that can reasonably be done to minimize the cyber security threat—especially as an organization that has stored the information of a huge number of people.

What is a Cyber Security Threat?

Dangers linked with insufficient cyber security include malware that erases an entire system, a hacker breaking into a system to take or alter files, an attacker commandeering your computer to attack others, or someone stealing your credit card information, among many others.

Cyber Security vs Information Security

Cyber security and information security are closely related, as information security is one essential aspect of cyber security. Information security is, essentially, the protection of information and information systems, which includes both data storage and data transfer. Network security is another aspect of cyber security, and focuses specifically on data leaving or entering a device through a particular network system.

It is important to recognize that information is not the only reason for a cyber security attack—at least, not directly. In some cases, hackers want to uncover passwords so that they can gain access to closed networks, allowing them to manipulate data or shut down important functions. Cyber terrorists can use an attack like this to hold systems or information for ransom in what is known as a ransomware attack.

Recent Cyber Security Breaches

In 2019, there were a slew of significant cyber security breaches. For instance, Capital One found that a hacker had breached its system by exploiting a vulnerability in its defenses on Mar. 22 and Mar. 23, 2019, allowing them to access the information of more than 100 million customers in the U.S., along with another 6 million in Canada.

This was reported to be one of the largest hacks ever. According to reports, the hacker then attempted to share the information they had stolen with other people via the internet.

State Farm Insurance also reported an attack known as a “credential stuffing” cyber attack. State Farm discovered the attack in July 2019 and reset the passwords of the accounts affected, though it says that no personally identifiable information was exposed. Dunkin’ Donuts reported a similar credit stuffing attack back in November 2018.

A major BioStar 2 data breach exposed the records of about a million users, which includes both passwords and biometric information. Biometric information is particularly sensitive, as passwords can be reset and ID cards can be replaced, but fingerprints, iris scans, and face scans are unique, and stolen biometric information may affect have a significant, lasting effect.

In Aug. 2019, MGM Resorts notified customers that it had been affected by a data breach across all of its hotel brands back in July 2019, though this news gained much more significant traction with the public after data was released on a major hacking forum in Feb. 2020.

Filing a Data Breach Lawsuit

If your personal information may have been compromised in a data breach, such as the recent MGM Resorts data breach, you may be eligible to join this AMCA lab data breach class action lawsuit investigation.

Filing a lawsuit can offer some amount of financial compensation for the exposure of your personal information, as well as hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Pursuing litigation can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Join a Free MGM Resort Data Breach Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

You may have been affected by the MGM Resorts data breach if you stayed at any of these MGM Resorts hotels:

  • Aria
  • Bellagio
  • Excalibur
  • Luxor
  • Mandalay Bay
  • MGM Grand
  • Mirage
  • Park MGM
  • New York New York

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.

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One thought on Why Cyber Security is Important 

  1. Sandra McAlister says:

    I have received emails stating I have been included in breached security. Please research.

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