Data Exfiltration

Glossary

What is Data Exfiltration?

Data exfiltration, often known as data theft, refers to the covert transfer of data from a device, whether done manually or automatically using malware. These breaches represent substantial risks to numerous sectors, disrupting operations, eroding trust, and resulting in financial losses. Furthermore, failure to prevent data exfiltration not only violates data privacy regulations but also jeopardises intellectual property by disclosing trade secrets and private information.

For cybercriminals, stolen data represents profitable opportunities, whether through direct sale on black markets or exploitation in subsequent cyberattacks. From personally identifiable information to sensitive organisational data such as trade secrets, the range of potential targets highlights the widespread risks connected with data exfiltration.

What Causes Data Exfiltration

  1. Malware and Cyberattacks: Malicious software can sneak into systems and steal data by using worms, trojans, or viruses.
  2. Insider Threats: It is possible for staff members or other people with authorised access to unintentionally or purposely reveal private information.
  3. Weak Security Protocols: Weak passwords, unprotected data, and exposed network configurations are examples of inadequate security procedures that can leave systems open to attack.
  4. Social Engineering: Methods such as phishing, pretexting, or baiting make use of human weaknesses to deceive people into disclosing private information.
  5. Third-party Vulnerabilities: Due to their security flaws or breaches, external partners, vendors, or service providers who have access to sensitive data may unintentionally expose it.

Known Data Exfiltration Methods

  1. Network-Based Exfiltration: Through the use of protocols like FTP, HTTP, or DNS, attackers take advantage of weaknesses in an organisation’s network to transmit data outside of it.
  2. Removable Media: Illegal data copies onto external hard drives, USB drives, and other removable media devices can be used to remove data from the premises without permission.
  3. Email/File Transfer: Attackers frequently disguise their actions to avoid discovery by sending sensitive material to remote destinations via file transfer protocols or email attachments.
  4. Cloud Storage: Through the use of cloud storage services, information can be stolen through account compromise or direct file uploads to unauthorised sites.
  5. Steganography: By concealing information inside allegedly innocent files or photos, this technique enables hackers to transfer information secretly and without drawing attention to themselves.

How can iZOOlogic help my Company or Organisation?

Find out how iZOOlogic can protect you against Data Exfiltration Attack threats with Digital Asset Management solutions.

To find out more about how iZOOlogic can help protect your company’s cyber security, schedule a demo.