Data breaches are increasingly becoming one of the biggest headaches for companies all over the world – and the recent habits in cyber-attacks are not reducing any time soon. In 2020, IBM and the Ponemon Institute released the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, which shines a spotlight on the financial consequences of data-related incidents. The focus of the report was on the costs associated with data breaches, with notable findings related to the amount of money a single data breach can cost a company. This article examines the key findings of the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2020.
1. IBM Unveils 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report
IBM recently unveiled its 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the world’s most costly breach up until now at an estimated $340M.
On average, a data breach can cost an organization up to $3.92 million. But, the report also highlights some of the steps that organizations can take to mitigate normal costs associated with a data breach. These steps include:
- Investing in detection and response technologies to detect and block potential attacks
- Implementing employee training to improve cybersecurity hygiene
- Enhancing detection capabilities through the use of threat intelligence
The report also outlines the importance of having a plan in place in the event of a data breach, as well as providing tips on how to create an effective breach response plan.
2. What Companies Can Learn from IBM’s Research
For well over a century, IBM has been an example of top-notch research and innovation. Corporations new and old can take a lesson from the tech giant’s success. Here’s what companies can learn from IBM’s research:
- Invest in Research and Development: IBM heavily invests in research and development, making sure they are staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology. This long-term strategy of investing in research shows that it pays off for the company’s success.
- Create Quality Products: It is clear that IBM spends more dire effort has gone into making sure their products are of the highest quality. This leads to fewer customer service issues, fewer returns and more consumer loyalty.
- Reward Innovation:IBM’s research teams are rewarded for new ideas and innovative solutions. This motivates employees to put in their best work, creating revolutionary products and helping to sustain the company’s success.
Stay Ahead of the Pack: IBM is not afraid to take risks and be ahead of other companies. They often predict future trends in technology and are the first to bring new products to the market. This strategy puts them ahead of the competition, as they often have the edge in the technology field.
The company is also open to collaborations, not afraid to partner up with other providers to make products even better. All these efforts make it possible for them to be ahead of the curve and remain leaders in technology.
3. Key Findings of the Cost of a Data Breach Report
Organizations Have Lost Over $3 Trillion in Data Breaches
Organizations have paid dearly for data breaches. The total financial impact of data breaches has amounted to more than $3 trillion dollars. According to the Cost of a Data Breach report, the average cost of a data breach had reached $3.86 million. Companies paid an average of $148 per record which had been compromised. It was also found that the longer it took for a data breach to be discovered, the higher the cost of remediation.
Regulatory Fines Contribute to the Cost Significantly
Data breach costs are made up of multiple components. Beyond the direct expenses for remediation, there are also fines that can be imposed by regulator organizations. The largest portion of the cost of a data breach is often the regulatory fines that companies have to pay. The average cost of regulatory fines was nearly $1 million. The amount can increase significantly when multiple countries and jurisdictions are involved.
Organizations need to make sure they’re taking the necessary measures to protect their data and reduce the risk of a data breach. This includes investing in the right security protocols, as well as training and educating employees on cyber security best practices.
4. How to Help Mitigate Data Breach Risk and Costs
Prevent Data Breaches in the First Place
Implementing the right security protocols and solutions can help mitigate the risk of a data breach and protect valuable information and systems. Be sure to deploy the latest malware and software security updates and patches, and train employees to follow proper cybersecurity protocols. It is unwise to enact a policy and simply expect your staff to be properly informed – ensure they are informed and regularly reminded. Additionally, limit physical access to any data system and create regular backups so that systems can be quickly recovered in the event that they are compromised.
Have a Plan in Place
Nobody ever likes to think about data breaches, but having a plan in place can help reduce the damage and costs associated with one. Identifying the primary ways a data breach could occur in your environment, implementing appropriate measures to guard against them, and creating a response plan in case the worst comes to pass can go a long way towards mitigating a breach’s impact. This means investing in and properly training personnel, creating guidelines and policies, and planning for all possible scenarios. This is a crucial step to avoiding serious damages.
Q&A
Q: What is the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2020?
A: The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2020 is a detailed study of the financial costs associated with data breaches. It examines the financial losses that companies incur when security systems are breached or data is stolen. The report also looks at factors that can influence the cost of a breach, such as the size of the organization, the number of records lost, and the industry. As the 2020 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report suggests, in order to protect our personal information, we should take steps to ensure our security online. One of the best places to start is by creating a FREE LogMeOnce account with Identity Theft Protection and Dark Web Monitoring. LogMeOnce.com provides the most comprehensive coverage against any potential data breach – meaning you can be as safe as possible online. Data breaches can have costly consequences – make sure your information is secured with LogMeOnce today.
Nicole’s, journey in the tech industry is marked by a passion for learning and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether it’s delving into the latest software developments or exploring innovative computing solutions, Nicole’s expertise is evident in her insightful and informative writing style. Her ability to connect with readers through her words makes her a valuable asset in any technical communication endeavor.