A data threat is any potential danger or risk that can negatively impact the security, integrity, confidentiality, or availability of data or information systems. This includes a wide range of threats such as unauthorized access, data breaches, malware infections, hacking, insider threats, human error, physical theft, and natural disasters that can expose, damage, or destroy sensitive data
. Common types of data threats include:
- Hacking and Cracking: Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks by exploiting vulnerabilities, stealing passwords, or bypassing security controls
- Malware: Malicious software like viruses, ransomware, spyware, and worms designed to disrupt, damage, or steal data
- Phishing Attacks: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by impersonating trusted entities in electronic communications
- Insider Threats: Employees or contractors who intentionally or unintentionally misuse access to data, causing breaches or leaks
- Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals to reveal confidential information or grant access, often through phishing or deceptive communication
- Security Misconfigurations: Improperly configured systems or default settings that leave data exposed to attackers
- Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: Overloading systems to disrupt access to data or services
- Natural Disasters: Events like floods, fires, or earthquakes that can physically damage data storage and infrastructure
In essence, a data threat is any circumstance or event that can compromise data security by affecting its confidentiality, integrity, or availability, whether through cyberattacks, human mistakes, or environmental factors
