• Why IRONSCALES
    OUR VALUE
    • Protect Better
      Protect Better

      Gain protection against advanced email attacks like BEC, ATO, social engineering, and more

    • Simplify Operations
      Simplify Operations

      Turn hours-a-day to minutes-a-month combatting phishing with customizable security automation

    • Empower Your Org
      Empower Your Org

      Triple your org's email security awareness with real-world phishing simulation testing and training

    CUSTOMERS
    • Customers
      Customers

      Check out the benefits provided to our customers and their stories

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      Case Studies

      Explore inspiring success stories from our 13,000+ global customers

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      Reviews

      Uncover honest reviews with authentic insights from Gartner, G2, Capterra, and more

    NEWS
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      Press

      Read our latest press releases, news publications, and media highlights

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      Awards

      Explore our awards and industry recognition achievements

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    Press: New Research

    New Osterman study reveals orgs with high confidence still lack capabilities against QR code attacks

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    Case Study: Webhelp

    Learn how Webhelp saved over 450 SecOp hours and is protecting 36,000 mailboxes

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    Awards: INC. 5000

    IRONSCALES earns 'Fastest Growing Email Security Company' for 3rd straight year

  • Platform
    Spring '24 Software Release! Check out our new deep image-based detection, GWS capabilities, and more. Explore the new additions
    CAPABILITIES
    • Inbound Email Protection
      Inbound Email Protection

      Get Adaptive AI email security against advanced attacks missed by other security controls​

    • Account Takeover Protection
      Account Takeover Protection

      Eliminate the risk of ATO with advanced prevention, detection, and response

    • Image-Based Attack Protection
      Image-Based Attack Protection

      Protect your organization from image-based attacks like malicious QR codes

    • SOC Automation
      SOC Automation

      Put SecOps workloads on auto-pilot with automated email remediation and more

    • Phishing Simulation Testing
      Phishing Simulation Testing

      Send your employees customized simulations built from real-world threats

    • Security Awareness Training
      Security Awareness Training

      Build a security-centric culture with automated personalized awareness campaigns

    • Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence
      Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence

      Leverage insights from 20,000+ security analysts in our community for email remediation

    • Collaboration Tool Protection
      Collaboration Tool Protection

      Protect your collaboration tools including Microsoft Teams® from advanced threats

    Take an Interactive Platform Tour
    TECHNOLOGY
    • Adaptive AI Engine
      Adaptive AI Engine

      Learn how we level up our AI with advanced ML models and Human Insights

    • Human Insights
      Human Insights

      See how we uniquely enhance our adaptive AI with real-time Human Insights

    • Generative AI
      Generative AI

      Discover how we use Gen-AI, large language models, and techniques for email security

    • Ecosystem Integrations
      Ecosystem Integrations

      Maximize your existing security tools with our seamlessly integrated platform

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  • Solutions
    Introducing Weekly Demos! Join us for a live walkthrough of our platform and see the difference firsthand. Register Now
    USE CASE
    • BEC & Executive Impersonation
      BEC & Executive Impersonation

      Stop advanced attacks like BEC, VEC, and VIP impersonation

    • Advanced Malware/URL Attacks
      Advanced Malware/URL Attacks

      Continuously protect against malicious links and attachments

    • Credential-Theft
      Credential Harvesting

      Block attackers from stealing your sensitive business data

    • Account Takeover Attacks
      Account Takeover Attacks

      Prevent, detect, and respond to ATO attacks in real time

    • QR Code Attacks
      QR Code Attacks

      Decipher image-based attacks from weaponized QR codes

    • Generative AI Attacks
      Generative AI Attacks

      Safeguard your organization against GPT-crafted attacks

    • Phishing Simulation Testing
      Phishing Simulation Testing

      Test your employees with real-world email attacks

    • Security Awareness Training
      Security Awareness Training

      Build a security-first organization with integrated SAT campaigns

    Get A FREE Email Health Scan
  • Learn
    New Report! Osterman Research releases their 2024 findings on Image-based/QR Code Attacks. Read the report
    LEARN
    • Blog
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      Stay informed with our insights and updates

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      Guides

      Explore our multi-chapter email security guides

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      Glossary

      Decode cybersecurity jargon with our glossary​

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      Rich content hub including whitepapers, reports, and more

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      Get Started

      Get started today with a 14-day free trial

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      Explore articles and lessons from our R&D team members​

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    See all resources
    FEATURED
    Email Security in the Age of AI
    Email Security in the Age of AI

    Understand the role of AI in fortifying defenses against evolving threats.

    QR Code Phishing
    QR Code Phishing

    QR codes serve as a new bypass method to evade detection.

    The ABCs of MFA
    The ABCs of MFA

    MFA is your digital doorman that keeps the malicious actors at bay.

    Phishing Prevention
    Phishing Prevention

    Dive into our complete 13-chapter guide on phishing prevention best practices

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    Spear Phishing

    Understand the inner workings of highly specialized phishing tactics and how to stop them

    Voice Phishing
    Voice Phishing

    See how attackers leverage new methods and channels to defraud businesses

  • Partner
    BY TYPE
    • Resellers
      Resellers

      Elevate your business with exclusive reselling opportunities

    • MSPs / MSSPs
      MSPs / MSSPs

      Unlock powerful email security capabilities for your end clients

    • Technology Partners
      Technology Partners

      View our industry-leading technology partners

    ENGAGE
    • Become Partner
      Become Partner

      Apply to become an IRONSCALES partner today

    • Partner Portal
      Partner Portal

      Check out valuable tools and resources for partners

    Become a Partner

    Partner with IRONSCALES Today
  • Pricing
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What is a Data Breach?

Data breaches pose a significant threat to individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. In this glossary article, we will explore the concept of data breaches, including their causes, methods, prevention, mitigation, response, and the role of IRONSCALES in preventing data breaches.

Data Breach Explained

A data breach refers to any incident where unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive or confidential data. This can include personal information like social security numbers, financial data, healthcare records, or corporate information such as customer databases and intellectual property. A data breach occurs when the confidentiality of data is compromised.

It's important to differentiate between a data breach, a data leak, and data loss.

  • Data Breach: Unauthorized access or acquisition of sensitive or confidential data, compromising its confidentiality. It involves intentional or unintentional breaches where data is accessed without permission.
  • Data Leak: Unintentional or accidental exposure of data to unauthorized individuals or entities. It occurs when data is mistakenly disclosed or shared without proper authorization.
  • Data Loss: The permanent destruction or loss of data, often resulting from hardware failures, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events. It refers to the inability to retrieve or access data due to its complete eradication.

In summary, a data breach refers specifically to unauthorized access to data. A data leak, on the other hand, refers to the unintentional or accidental exposure of data to unauthorized individuals. Data loss refers to the permanent destruction or loss of data, often resulting from hardware failures, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events.

Why Do Data Breaches Happen?

Data breaches can occur due to various factors, including innocent mistakes, malicious insiders, and hackers. The motivations behind data breaches are typically financial gain, identity theft, corporate espionage, or political agendas. Cybercriminals may seek to steal sensitive information like credit card numbers, personal identification details, or trade secrets for illicit purposes.

How Data Breaches Work

Data breaches occur when unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive or confidential information stored in a system or database. These breaches can happen in various ways, and the methods used by attackers can be sophisticated or relatively simple. Here's an overview of how data breaches commonly work:

  • Phase 1: Initial Access: The first step in a data breach is gaining unauthorized access to a target system. Attackers may use various techniques to achieve this, including:

    • Stolen or compromised credentials: Hackers obtain login credentials through brute force attacks, phishing scams, or purchasing stolen credentials from the dark web.
    • Social engineering attacks: Attackers manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information through techniques like phishing emails, phone calls, or impersonation.
    • Malware and ransomware: Malicious software is used to exploit vulnerabilities in systems, infect devices, or encrypt data for ransom.
    • System vulnerabilities: Hackers exploit weaknesses in software, operating systems, or websites to gain unauthorized access to data.
    • Physical theft or site security errors: Breaches can occur when physical devices, such as laptops or hard drives, are stolen or when criminals gain access to secure premises.

  • Phase 2: Privilege Escalation: Once inside the system, attackers may try to escalate their privileges. This involves obtaining higher-level access rights to gain control over more sensitive data or to compromise other parts of the network.

  • Phase 3: Lateral Movement: With escalated privileges, attackers move laterally through the network, exploring and compromising additional systems or databases. This helps them locate the valuable data they want to steal and avoid detection.

  • Phase 4: Data Extraction: After identifying the desired data, attackers extract it from the compromised systems. They may copy the information to a remote server, external storage device, or cloud storage, where they can access it later.

  • Phase 5: Covering Tracks: To avoid detection and maintain access, attackers often attempt to erase any traces of their presence, such as log files or audit trails.

  • Phase 6: Data Exfiltration: Once attackers have collected the data, they exfiltrate it from the organization's network. This can be done using various covert methods, such as disguising the data within seemingly innocuous network traffic or encrypted communication channels.

How to Prevent and Mitigate Data Breaches

Preventing data breaches requires a multi-faceted approach, including regular software updates and patches, strong access controls and authentication mechanisms, employee training on security best practices, and ongoing monitoring and threat detection measures. Organizations must stay vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts to protect sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. In more detail, organizations should implement:

  • Incident response plans: Organizations should have well-defined incident response plans to detect, contain, and respond to data breaches effectively.
  • AI and automation: Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies can enhance threat detection and response, reducing the impact of data breaches.
  • Employee training: Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing social engineering attacks and handling data securely, can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches.
  • Identity and access management (IAM): Implementing strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and other IAM technologies can protect against unauthorized access through stolen or compromised credentials.
  • Zero trust security approach: Adopting a zero trust security model involves continuously verifying and validating users or entities, restricting access privileges, and monitoring network activity to minimize the risk of data breaches.

How to Respond to a Data Breach

In the event of a data breach, organizations should follow a comprehensive response plan, which may include:

  • Containment: Immediately isolating and containing the breach to prevent further unauthorized access to sensitive data.
  • Investigation: Conducting a thorough investigation to determine the scope, impact, and root causes of the breach.
  • Notification: Complying with applicable data breach notification laws and regulations to inform affected individuals, authorities, and stakeholders.
  • Remediation: Taking steps to remediate vulnerabilities, strengthen security measures, and prevent future breaches.
  • Communication: Maintaining transparent communication with affected individuals, customers, employees, and the public to address concerns and restore trust.

How IRONSCALES Prevents Data Breaches

IRONSCALES is a leading provider of advanced email security solutions designed to prevent data breaches. Their platform utilizes AI, machine learning, and user-driven threat intelligence to detect and respond to phishing attacks, which are a significant cause of data breaches. IRONSCALES offers features like real-time phishing alerts, incident response automation, and employee training to proactively protect organizations from evolving cyber threats. By empowering employees with the tools and knowledge to identify and report phishing attempts, IRONSCALES helps prevent successful data breaches and minimize their impact.

Learn more about IRONSCALES advanced anti-phishing platform here. Get a demo of IRONSCALES™ today!  https://ironscales.com/get-a-demo/

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Featured Content

AI in Email Security

This comprehensive Osterman Research study explores the evolving landscape of AI-driven threats and innovative solutions implemented to stay ahead.

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Gartner® Email Security Market Guide

This guide gives email security experts an exclusive access to Gartner® research to ensure their existing solution remains appropriate for the evolving landscape.

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Defending the Enterprise from BEC

Data shows organizations deploy defense-in-depth approaches ineffective at addressing BEC attacks. Discover truly effective strategies in this report.

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