[HEADS UP] New Dutch Data Breach Report Warns of Explosive Increase in Cyber Attacks and Stolen Personal Data

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) recently measured the number of reports of data theft in 2020 and the number of attacks skyrocketed. The report documented that it increased no less than 30% in 2020 compared to the year prior.

Types of attacks that have been reported are centered around phishing or malware. It's very concerning that cybercriminals are attempting to steal personal data. If successful, it can be very costly to you and your organization. 

The report also detailed specifics, including 1,173 reports of data leaks which tactics are used to steal personal data. 2019 compared to the previous year alone was already increased in attacks by 25%. Therefore, the amount of attacks have only continued to increase. 

In a quote by AP chairman Aleid Wolfsen detailing the report, "Many people are personally affected when criminals manage to steal their personal data. Criminals use the stolen data for identity fraud and to carry out spam and phishing attacks. The damage of such scams can be such that people really get into trouble and lose all their savings."

With an estimated 600,000 to 2,000,000 people who were potentially affected by a data breach, it's important to have strong password protections measures, including the use of multi-factor authentication. While not fully effective, it's can help limit or prevent any potential damage.  New-school security awareness training is the best layer of defense for protecting your organizations from phishing and ransomware attacks. 

Check out the full breakdown from AP here and access the Data Breach Report in 2020 here.