Cybersecurity for everyone: protecting your personal data in the age of data breaches

Data breaches have become a topic of growing concern for both users and organizations. These incidents pose an immediate threat to privacy and can have long-term repercussions that affect the personal and professional lives of those involved.

The phenomenon of data breaches has intensified, forcing a reevaluation of security practices and information management worldwide and across platforms.

What are data breaches and how do they happen

A data breach is an event in which confidential, protected, or sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized parties. This event can be triggered by various factors, such as human negligence, technological failures, or malicious attacks.

Specifically, breaches can involve any type of information, from personal details such as names and addresses to critical corporate information and government secrets.

The rise of digital technology has multiplied points of vulnerability. IoT (Internet of Things) devices, for example, pose a significant risk as they often lack robust security measures, facilitating unauthorized access to sensitive data. Furthermore, the interdependence of connected systems amplifies the risks associated with poor cybersecurity management.

Real-World Examples of Data Breach

In Mexico, the healthcare sector has faced an alarming increase in cyberattacks, with 50% of medical centers reporting personal data breaches, according to a SOTI report.

These attacks often use ransomware, blocking access to medical records, which not only compromises patient privacy but also the operational capacity of the facilities. The exposure of this information can lead to serious disruptions in healthcare services and directly affect patients' lives.

Although data breaches are a global concern, the insurance industry has also been a frequent target. According to Fasecolda (a data management organization in Colombia), in 2024, the industry in Colombia reported 30,739 cases of insurance-related fraud, resulting in economic losses exceeding $272 billion.

These fraudulent activities, which range from identity theft to phishing to obtain sensitive information, highlight the growing sophistication of criminal operations.

What is the impact of data breaches

From an individual perspective, the exposure of personal data can result in identity theft, which leads to legal and financial problems. Businesses, in turn, can experience a significant loss of reputation and trust, affecting their image and long-term financial stability.

Breaches in government institutions can compromise national security by exposing critical information about procedures and operations.

How to Prevent Data Breaches

In light of the growing risks, it is essential to implement robust prevention strategies that address both technological and human behavioral aspects. Security experts recommend the following practices:

System Updates and Security: It is crucial to keep the software and hardware used up-to-date, applying the latest security patches to close any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.

Use of Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Adopting complex and unique passwords for each service, in addition to implementing multi-factor authentication, significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

Data Encryption: Encrypting sensitive information is an effective measure to ensure that, even in the event of a breach, data is not easily accessible to intruders.

User Education and Awareness: Training employees and users on cybersecurity threats and encouraging good digital habits, including recognizing phishing and other common tactics, is essential to minimize human error.