Cyberattacks have become increasingly prevalent, with devastating consequences for businesses across industries. The average cost of a data breach reached millions of dollars.
Data breaches can result in reputational damage, legal consequences, and the loss of customer trust. Business leaders and cybersecurity experts must understand the latest strategies for preventing these attacks. This blog will explore the most effective data breach prevention practices for 2025.
what are the causes of a data breach?
Several factors contribute to these breaches, often starting from a simple vulnerability. Here are the lapses that lead to common cyberattacks:
- Phishing attacks: Cybercriminals use fake emails or websites to trick employees into revealing login credentials.
- Weak passwords: Easily guessable or reused passwords are often exploited by attackers.
- Unpatched or outdated systems: Outdated software can leave organisations exposed to even known and easily navigable vulnerabilities.
- Insider threats: Employees or contractors with malicious intent or negligence can cause data breaches.
- Malware and ransomware: Malicious software that infiltrates systems and exfiltrates sensitive data or locks it for ransom.
how threat actors operate
Cyberattacks are rarely random. They are carefully orchestrated efforts to exploit weaknesses in systems.
external threats
External cybercriminals employ a variety of methods to breach security systems. Common tactics include phishing campaigns, where attackers impersonate legitimate entities to gather sensitive information from employees, and social engineering techniques that exploit human vulnerabilities. Ransomware and malware attacks can be more aggressive and coordinated. These attackers typically target large enterprises with valuable data, such as financial institutions or healthcare organisations.
internal threats
While external threats are obvious and easier to mark as threats, insider threats are just as dangerous. These can be intentional or accidental, with employees either stealing sensitive information or inadvertently exposing it through poor security practices. For example, employees might fall prey to spyware attacks or share confidential information without proper authorisation.
why historical log services aren’t enough
Traditional logging systems often fail to provide real-time insights during a crisis. In many instances, organisations rely on historical logs to detect data breaches after the fact. However, these logs are not equipped to identify or block attacks in real-time, leaving organisations vulnerable to rapid escalation during an attack.
data breach prevention strategies
Implementing robust data breach prevention strategies is essential to protecting sensitive information and maintaining operational integrity. Below, we explore key approaches to preventing data breaches in 2025.
multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication is one of the most effective security measures businesses can implement to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive systems. By requiring two or more verification methods, such as a password and a biometric scan or a hardware token, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of credential theft. MFA acts as a secondary barrier, making it far more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to vital systems.
data encryption
Encryption remains one of the strongest forms of protection for sensitive data. By encrypting data both at rest and in transit, organisations ensure that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the appropriate decryption keys. This adds a layer of security that makes it more challenging for attackers to exploit stolen data.
zero trust security model
A zero-trust security model operates on the principle that no one, whether inside or outside the organisation, is inherently trustworthy. Every user, device, and application must be verified before being granted access to company resources. This approach limits access to only the most essential resources and continuously monitors activities for any signs of malicious behaviour. The shift towards zero trust is vital in 2025, as it offers an effective way to secure highly distributed networks and cloud-based infrastructure.
regular security audits and vulnerability scanning
Regular audits and vulnerability scans can identify weaknesses in an organisation’s security posture before they are exploited. By conducting these audits frequently, businesses can pinpoint potential areas for improvement, patch vulnerabilities, and stay ahead of emerging threats. Automation tools can streamline this process, ensuring that no critical issues are overlooked.
employee training and awareness
The human element remains one of the most significant vulnerabilities in any organisation’s cybersecurity framework. By training employees to recognise phishing attempts, resist social engineering, follow proper security protocols, and understand the risks of mishandling sensitive data, businesses can drastically reduce the likelihood of accidental breaches. Continuous education and awareness programmes are essential to keeping staff up to date with evolving threats.
network segmentation and firewalls
Segmenting your network and deploying internal firewalls can greatly reduce the impact of a potential data breach. By isolating sensitive systems from other parts of the network, attackers are less likely to be able to move laterally within the system. Internal firewalls help enforce this segmentation, allowing for more granular control of traffic between network zones.
how can Infosys BPM help with data breach prevention?
Companies must adopt a comprehensive approach that combines the latest technologies and best practices, such as the zero-trust security model, multi-factor authentication, and employee training. Infosys BPM offers a comprehensive suite of Trust and Safety (T&S) services designed to prevent data breaches and safeguard digital assets. The AI-first approach integrates human expertise with advanced technologies to address evolving cybersecurity threats across various industries.
