Data breaches and data leaks

What are data breaches and data leaks?

Both data breaches and data leaks involve private information ending up in the wrong hands, but there are key differences. 

Data breach

A data breach is an intentional attack by hackers who break into a system to steal data. The stolen information could be things like your personal details, bank account information, sensitive business information or anything else that’s supposed to be kept safe, but gets taken by the wrong people.

Data leak 

A data leak is when sensitive information is accidentally exposed, usually due to poor security or human error. This could be things like your personal information, money details or secret plans that aren’t supposed to be seen, but somehow end up where anyone can find them.