A recent training program aimed at IT professionals sought to answer this question by analyzing a dataset of over 1,000 data breaches that occurred between 2014 and 2021. The training found that an astonishing 67% of data breaches were caused by phishing emails.

In the world of cybersecurity, data breaches are a common occurrence. In fact, according to a study by IBM, the average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million. One of the most common ways that data breaches occur is through phishing emails. But just how many data breaches are caused by phishing emails?

What is a phishing email?

A phishing email is an email that is designed to trick the recipient into clicking on a link or downloading an attachment that contains malware. The email usually appears to come from a trusted source, such as a bank or a popular website. Once the recipient clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, the malware is activated, and the attacker can gain access to sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data.

How do phishing emails work?

Phishing emails work by exploiting human psychology. They often create a sense of urgency, using language like “urgent action required” or “your account has been compromised.” They may also offer a reward, such as a gift card or a discount code, to entice the recipient to click on the link or download the attachment.

Once the recipient takes the desired action, the attacker can gain access to the victim’s computer or network. From there, they may be able to steal sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal identification information.

Why are phishing emails so effective?

Phishing emails are so effective because they are often difficult to distinguish from legitimate emails. They often use convincing logos and branding, and may even include real contact information for the company they are impersonating. Additionally, people are often in a hurry and may not take the time to carefully examine an email before taking action.

What can you do to protect yourself?

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from phishing emails. First, be skeptical of any email that appears to come from a financial institution or other sensitive organization. If you receive an email that seems suspicious, do not click on any links or download any attachments. Instead, contact the organization directly to verify the authenticity of the email.

Additionally, be sure to keep your computer and antivirus software up to date, as this can help prevent malware from being installed on your computer. And always use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, as this can help prevent attackers from accessing multiple accounts if they do manage to gain access to one.

Phishing emails are a major cause of data breaches, accounting for a whopping 67% of breaches analyzed in a recent training program. By understanding how phishing emails work and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help keep your personal information safe and secure.