What is the Difference Between a Data Breach and a Data Leak?

With the increasing frequency of data breaches and data leaks, it's crucial to understand the difference between these two types of incidents and their potential consequences. At Console & Associates, P.C., our experienced data breach class action attorneys are dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex landscape of data security and protecting their rights in the event of a breach or leak.

What is a Data Breach?

A data breach occurs when an unauthorized individual or group gains access to sensitive, confidential, or protected information. This can happen through various means, such as hacking, malware attacks, or insider threats. Some well-known examples of data breaches include the Equifax incident in 2017, which affected 147 million people, and the Yahoo breach, which impacted 3 billion user accounts.

What is a Data Leak?

A data leak, on the other hand, is the unintentional exposure of sensitive information. This can occur due to human error, misconfigured security settings, or unsecured databases. While data leaks may not always involve malicious intent, they can still have serious consequences for those affected. Examples of data leaks include the Facebook incident in 2021, which exposed the personal data of 533 million users, and the LinkedIn leak in 2021, which affected 700 million users.

Key Differences Between Data Breaches and Data Leaks

While both data breaches and data leaks involve the exposure of sensitive information, there are some key differences between the two:

1. Intent: Data breaches are typically intentional and carried out by malicious actors, while data leaks are often unintentional and the result of negligence or human error.

2. Cause: Data breaches are caused by external threats, such as hackers or malware, while data leaks are usually due to internal issues, like misconfigured security settings or unsecured databases.

3. Scale: Data breaches often involve larger amounts of data and affect more individuals, while data leaks can be smaller in scale.

Consequences of Data Breaches and Data Leaks

Regardless of whether an incident is a data breach or a data leak, the consequences can be severe for those affected. Some potential repercussions include:

- Financial losses due to fraudulent activity or identity theft

- Reputational damage for businesses involved in the incident

- Legal consequences, such as fines or lawsuits

- Increased risk of becoming a victim of future cybercrimes

What to Do if You're Affected by a Data Breach or Data Leak

If you believe your personal information has been compromised in a data breach or data leak, consider taking the proactive steps to protect yourself that are outlined in our guide for victims of a data breach:

1. Change your passwords for any affected accounts and enable two-factor authentication when possible.
2. Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts for suspicious activity.
3. Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit reports.
4. Stay informed about the incident and any updates from the company or organization involved.

If you've suffered damages due to a data breach or data leak, you may be entitled to compensation. Our data breach lawyers can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.