Reflecting on The Uber Data Breach

Recently an Uber data breach became known, and users of the app worldwide were shocked when they found out about the hack. Uber faced significant challenges during these harsh times, trying to keep it behind the public eye for as much as possible. Uber remains operational, but at what cost? What can we learn from the Uber data breach?

Humans Remain the Weakest Security Link

Firstly, one weakest link remains constant with the sheer advancement in technology, and cybersecurity remains the same, human error. Technology allowed the automation of various security resources and components. Yet the last line of defense will always be the sharpness and the wits of the employees and personnel. Today, significant companies fall victim to data breaches simply based on human error, an employee misplacing a paper with credentials, or being careless with their sign-in information. Hackers can use various intricate ways to hack a company but giving essential certificates away through human error makes their lives substantially easier.

Transparency

Furthermore, an important lesson was always to remain transparent and honest even in the darkest times. Uber attempted to cover up the whole thing as much as they could. The uber data breach can teach us that you should immediately disclose such significant information to your users so you will not burn bridges between you. You cannot hide such massive news forever, Uber did it for a year, and after the information resurfaced, Uber lost way more than the data breach. They lost the trust of their users. If they hid this, what else did they attempt to hide?

Additionally, the public needs to know about a data breach as soon as possible. Besides the support they might offer, they need to know as quickly as possible to try at least to salvage something.

Never Give up to Hackers

While trying to cover up the story, Uber contacted the hacker directly to pay him and give in to his demands in the hopes of keeping the secrecy. The Uber data breach can teach us never to allow hackers to be rewarded. Firstly, they cannot be trusted. You might pay them, and then they ditch any agreements with them. On the other hand, citing the hackers will signal other malicious hackers that you will be rewarded if you commit such breaches. Hackers should see other hackers punished to realize the severity of their crimes.

No One is Safe

Moreover, a lesson learned after the Uber data breach is that the company’s scale and size are not a factor. Anyone can be a target, a small startup, or even an employee. Hackers will see that a big name such as Uber could not protect their users’ data, even with the Uber cyber security measures. So, they will target smaller companies with even less strict defense systems in the hopes of an easy paycheck.

Furthermore, education on the matter is essential. All employees should realize the weight and threat of data breaches. Smaller or bigger names with a better understanding of the issue will tend to it more efficiently.

Do not Rely Only on Passwords.

Finally, a key lesson learned after the Uber Data Breach case Study is that you should equip yourself and your company with the latest and most efficient tools. Often companies use passwords as the only line of defense. Passwords should be the last line of defense, not the sole one. Passwords are the perfect crack a hacker can slip through, brute force hacks, or get hold of them through social engineering frauds.

Using an extra safety measure is essential to a more secure system. Do not choose convenience over security. Using two factors authentication (2FA) adds a different wall to your cybersecurity. 2FA will require further authentication to access crucial information. A text message or an email can make the process more secure.

Lastly, limit the access to crucial data to only a small, trusted circle. The more accessible data is, the more susceptible it is to error and breaches. Ensure employees log out before leaving the company and do not access crucial data connected to random Wi-Fi networks. Moving critical data on hardware devices instead of online and cloud may offer extra protection.

Concluding Thoughts

The Uber Data Breach gave us a lot to think about. Data breaches can happen anytime and target anyone. Better safe than sorry is an age-old saying that resonates even more when reflecting on the incident. Companies should be prepared, well-equipped, and well-educated. Hackers will never cease their malicious war against public data. Falling victim to such hackers should not become a trend.

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