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Data Controller Notification Requirements (UK vs US):

In the UK, data controllers must notify their data subjects of data security breaches that pose a high risk to individuals' rights and freedoms, according to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Notification should occur "without undue delay" and, where feasible, within 72 hours of the breach being discovered.

In the US, there is no single federal law mandating data breach notification. Instead, notification requirements vary by state, with different laws governing when and how individuals must be notified of breaches.

 

The Largest Data Breach of the 21st Century: The largest data breach occurred with Yahoo in August 2013, which was discovered and publicly disclosed in December 2016. Data breach details include:

  • Number of Records Stolen: 3 billion user accounts
  • Type of Data Exposed: Usernames, email addresses, hashed passwords, and security questions and answers
  • Method of Attack: Exploitation of vulnerabilities in Yahoo's systems
  • Impact on Users: Potential identity theft, unauthorized account access, and phishing attacks
  • Response by Yahoo: Notification to affected users and enhancement of security measures
  • Financial Impact: The breach affected Yahoo's acquisition deal with Verizon, resulting in a reduced purchase price

 

Most Common Causes of Data Security Breaches:

  • Weak and Stolen Credentials
  • Application Vulnerabilities
  • Malware
  • Malicious insiders
  • Human Error

 

 

 Real-Life Examples of Common Causes:

  • Weak and Stolen Credentials: The 2013 Yahoo data breach affected 3 billion accounts due to stolen credentials, compromising usernames, email addresses, and security questions and answers.
  • Application Vulnerabilities: The 2017 Equifax data breach exposed personal information of 147 million individuals. Attackers exploited an unpatched vulnerability in the Apache Struts framework, leading to significant financial and reputational damage for Equifax.

 

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