People enter sensitive data on web applications all the time, expecting the servers to protect their personal information from unauthorized access. But that isn't always the case. Sometimes, these apps are unable to provide adequate security, which leads to sensitive data exposure.

As the internet is advancing, data exposure is increasing equally as well. That's why it's in your best interest to seek ways of protecting your sensitive data from getting into the wrong hands. So to help you know more about how to protect yourself, here's what you need to know about data exposure and data breach.

What Is Sensitive Data Exposure?

Computer Data

Sensitive data is any valuable piece of information, especially one that's meant to be safeguarded from unauthorized access due to its confidentiality. Examples of sensitive information include bank account details, login credentials, phone numbers, credit card numbers, social security number, etc.

That being said, sensitive data exposure is when an individual or organization exposes their personal data by accident. This might be due to several factors like a software error, lack of encryption, or uploading data to an incorrect database.

When hackers access this data, the owners are at risk of having their private information exposed.

There are two significant ways in which your personal information can be out in the open—via sensitive data exposure or through a data breach. Although both terms are similar, they aren't exactly the same. Let's see their differences.

The Difference Between Data Exposure and a Data Breach

Office Desk

Data exposure is when data or personal information in a server or database is visible to unintended parties. This happens when system configuration and web applications details aren't properly secured online. Examples include storing sensitive data in plain text and neglecting to apply SSL and HTTPS protocols to secure web pages.

On the other hand, a data breach occurs when information belonging to an individual is accessed without their authorization. Bad actors deliberately cause data breaches, and organizations with exposed data are the easiest and most common targets.

Hackers go after vulnerable applications that have left users' sensitive data unprotected. Today, sensitive data exposure is commonplace, and the security of many applications is so far behind the sophisticated techniques attackers use to exploit their weaknesses.

Even large companies like Yahoo! aren't safe from attacks. They suffered one of the largest data breaches on record, with over three billion users affected between 2013 and 2014. This incident alone brought about a decline in the company's value.

With attacks like this, many individuals risk losing money, personal information, and even their identities.

How Web Applications Are Vulnerable to Data Exposure

Mobile Application

Data is always in motion. Individuals initiate requests, commands and send them across networks to other web servers, applications, or users. The data in transit can then be hijacked, especially when it's moving across an unprotected route or between computer programs.

An attack that's directed at data on the move is known as Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack. This is an eavesdropping attack where a perpetrator interrupts data in motion, inserts themselves in-between the user and the application, and then pretends to be a participant in the data transfer. This attack primarily targets e-commerce sites, financial applications, SaaS businesses, and other websites requiring login credentials.

Another way your data is vulnerable is through a system attack, whether on a server or a local computer. In this respect, the information is stored on drives in the system and isn't in motion. You may think that your in-house data is safe from threats, but that's not so.

The truth is hackers can use different channels, like Trojan Horse Malware, to get hold of stored data. The malware gains access to the in-house data by making users click on malicious links sent through email or downloading content from an infected USB drive.

Here are other various ways your web applications can be attacked.

1. Network Compromise

As an individual, your data is at risk of being exposed when your network becomes compromised. This can happen if attackers hijack users' sessions—a process referred to as cookie hijacking.

A session is when users are logged into an application. User ID sessions are exploited and then used to gain unauthorized access to a service or information. Many people have reported identity theft cases brought about by a network compromise attack, where their bank details were used to make purchases online.

2. Structured Query Language (SQL) Injection Attacks

Structured Query Language (SQL) is a programming language used to communicate in a database.

SQL injection attacks are the most recurring web application attacks, and they often happen to applications with exploitable vulnerabilities. In an SQL attack, hackers conduct requests that'll carry out malicious instructions.

If the servers don't have adequate security to identify manipulated codes, then the bad actors can use the manipulated commands to gain access to the sensitive data of individuals stored in the application.

3. Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a form of malware cybercriminals use to encrypt sensitive data of individuals and businesses. The malware finds its way into devices through malicious links or attachments that seem genuine to users.

Once the links are clicked on, the ransomware is downloaded and installed without the user's knowledge. From there, it encrypts files and holds them hostage. Attackers demand a ransom before releasing the data. In some cases, the data isn't released even after the ransom is paid.

How to Prevent Sensitive Data Exposure

Security Lock

While accessing web applications for one purpose or the other is the norm, it's still your responsibility to protect yourself against sensitive data exposure. Here are some ways you can secure your data.

1. Create Strong and Unique Passwords for Your Accounts

With the widespread data breaches rocking the online world, creating a strong password for every account you have online is the least you can do.

Cybercriminals are constantly looking for security vulnerabilities, like weak passwords, to gain access to your data. Create a strong and complex password by including uppercase, lowercase, symbols, and numbers. Also, ensure that you don't use one password for multiple accounts. Instead, create a unique password for each account.

2. Access Only Secure URLs

As stated before, some websites don't have HTTPS security, making them vulnerable to data exposure. Such web applications aren't secured and shouldn't be visited, especially when it has to do with entering your financial or personal information.

Trusted websites generally begin with https:// while unsecured websites use http://. You should always look out for the "s" after the "p".

3. Monitor Your Financial Transactions Regularly

Always inspect your financial accounts for suspicious activity. If you notice any, quickly notify your bank to prevent a further breach.

You can also initiate a command for your account to be suspended or blocked using the provisions made by your bank once you suspect foul play.

4. Implement Effective Security Software

Security software is created to protect users against exposing sensitive data while online. Install high-quality security software that covers virus and malware attacks. Also, ensure that you update the software regularly. If you fail to update it, you expose yourself to cyber threats.

Take Charge of Your Sensitive Data

Internet connectivity has undoubtedly created more opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. However, we also have the responsibility of securing our data as we interact online.

You don't have to go to the extreme of living off the grid due to the fear of exposing your data. By knowing and implementing measures to protect yourself, you can stay safe and secure in our online world.