Over 60 data breaches so far in 2024. Don’t be next

The latest stats on data breaches is startling: In the last quarter of 2023, more than eight million records worldwide have been exposed to data breaches. And in 2023 alone, the average cost of one breach to businesses worldwide was $6.75 million. Unfortunately, these information security risks have not slowed down; as of May 2024, there have been over 60 cyber-attacks in Australia – and undoubtedly, there are more to come.

From reputational damage to severe financial loss, the impact of data breaches on companies and individuals is severe. So how can your business defend itself from cyber criminals or ensure you’re responsibly managing sensitive information? Here, we point out some recent cases and some tools your business can implement to strengthen its defences.

Big Aussie businesses face big data breaches

You only have to read the latest news to see how data breaches are on the rise in Australia – and it’s not just individuals and small businesses at risk – larger corporations are also under fire too. Qantas recently reported a data breach – the company experienced an issue with its technology which exposed personal information such as full names and booking information. While Qantas has since stated it was not caused by a ‘cyber security incident’, others believe it should still be considered a major security breach. Associate Professor Mark Gregory at RMIT commented on the incident and said: “I consider the data breach with the Qantas App to be a major data breach.

“It demonstrates that Qantas has failed to ensure that the upgrades or the updates to the systems and hardware were carried out in a way that would not permit the data breach to occur.

“It indicates that there’s an ongoing problem with the way corporate Australia interacts with their customers and secures customer data.”

And, more recently, Clubs NSW experienced a more sinister breach, in an alleged targeted attack by a man who has been charged with blackmail. An unauthorised website published the personal information of patrons who had signed in using driver’s licenses across clubs in NSW and ACT, threatening to reveal additional records of approximately 1 million. The data was allegedly stolen from a third-party IT provider used by Clubs NSW. Leaked information included NSW Premier Chris Minns’s personal information as well as other prominent government figures – regardless of status, you can see how serious this issue can escalate when leaked data falls in the wrong hands.

How can businesses ensure they are not the next target?

Many businesses are turning to ISO 27001 Information Security Management System Certification – not only to arm from risks and tighten up security standards – but also to cement trust with stakeholders and show that measures are in place to shield from external and internal factors. With breaches happening every day around the world, protecting your business’s digital data and information assets from cyber criminals should be your top priority. With an ISO 27001 certification, you are ensuring your information assets such as sensitive client data and company information is managed in a systematic manner – it’s the best way to safeguard your organisation, guarantee business continuity, and establish trust with key stakeholders.

Certification made simple

Ready to navigate the complexities of ISO certification or need assistance with suspension and reinstatement? Contact Citation Certification today. Our experts are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your compliance and certification success.