Top 10 Lessons from Practice: Analysis of Information Security Incidents and Protection Methods

When we discuss the leading threats in cyber security reports, social engineering always ranks at the top. These examples of cyber security breaches prove that hackers prefer to hack people, not systems. For example, at the beginning of 2023, there was a cyber security incident at Mailchimp. The attacker used psychological tricks to obtain employee data and access to 133 customer accounts. In this case, the cyber security incident resulted from a compromise of trust.

A similar cyber security incident happened with Cisco in 2022. Through complex voice phishing, hackers compromised an employee’s Google account. Considering such cyber security incidents, it becomes clear that a cyber security attack is a search for the weakest link. These examples of cyber attacks show that computer security threats cannot be ignored even by technological leaders. When analyzing cyber security incidents, experts recommend implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and behavioral analytics systems to promptly detect whether it is a cyber security incident or a legitimate action.

Many examples of information security focus on the external perimeter, but internal information security risks, as seen in the ICRC case, are no less dangerous. In 2022, there was a major cybersecurity incident affecting the data of more than half a million people. By studying such IS incidents, we see how attackers use admin rights to move through the network.

This information security breach, which was a shock for the humanitarian sector, highlights that an IS incident is always a reputational threat. It is important to understand what an information security attack based on privilege escalation is. To protect, it is necessary to restrict access to resources by creating a list of information security incidents for internal training. After all, information security, including a strict audit, is the best defense against sabotage.

Sometimes, information security breaches occur due to simple carelessness. In 2023, Microsoft researchers accidentally exposed access to 38 TB of data due to incorrect Azure configuration. Such IT incidents demonstrate how information security threats related to cloud services can lead to the loss of keys and passwords. This information security incident highlights the need for regular audits.

A similar cybersecurity incident occurred at Pegasus Airlines, where an AWS configuration error made flight data public. By studying information security incidents related to “buckets,” we realize what an information security incident means in the era of cloud transformation. These information security events require IT departments to pay increased attention to access settings. Such information security examples show that computer security threats often lurk in simple configurations.

Insiders create specific information security risks, examples of which are well illustrated by the Tesla case. In 2023, two former employees stole 100 GB of data. During an analysis of information security incidents, lawyers noted that this is a direct information security incident resulting in huge fines. To understand what an information security incident is in terms of espionage, one should look at Apple and Yahoo.

There, employees stole source code before their dismissal. These examples of information security breaches highlight the importance of controlling USB and cloud storage. Considering such information security incidents, companies implement activity monitoring. Each such information security incident is an occasion to review access rights. Information security based on the principle of least privilege helps prevent cyber attacks from disgruntled colleagues. These types of information security incidents require implementing DLP systems and UEBA tools.

Modern cybersecurity events often go beyond the boundaries of a single company. In 2024, a cybersecurity incident at American Express occurred due to a partner breach. Such information security incidents prove that your protection is only as strong as your weakest contractor. By studying such information security incident examples, companies begin to demand security audits from all suppliers.

The T-Mobile case with the data leak of 37 million users through an API is a classic cybersecurity incident. Looking at the types of information security incidents, we see that API vulnerabilities are becoming critical. Understanding what a cyber attack through third-party services is helps form a list of information security incidents for contractor assessment. Any cybersecurity incident is a call to action. Examples of information security breaches in the supply chain teach us that computer security threats can come from the most unexpected places.

By studying this list of information security incidents, the main conclusion can be drawn: protection must be multi-layered. Each cybersecurity incident is a valuable lesson. By using comprehensive examples of information security incidents, you can convince management of the necessity of investing in cybersecurity. Regular security events show that the information security threats, which we have analyzed examples of, will not disappear on their own.

Knowing what an information security incident is provides an opportunity to defend proactively. When compiling your own list of information security incidents, do not forget to include cybersecurity incidents that are specific to your industry. Remember that information security, which includes not only software but also processes, is the key to resilience. Understanding what an attack in information security is and analyzing types of information security incidents will prepare you for any challenges.

When conducting the final analysis of information security incidents, it is important to recognize that a cybersecurity incident can happen to anyone. But it is precisely such an incident that provides an opportunity to strengthen the system. Regularly review information security incidents, examples of which are published in open sources. Let these examples of security breaches become the foundation of your strategy, minimizing computer security threats and turning information security examples into real protection.

For those seeking to prevent any information security incidents, iIT Distribution offers cutting-edge solutions from the global leader, CrowdStrike. As an official distributor in countries including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Poland, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and Tajikistan, we provide access to the Falcon platform, which fundamentally changes the approach to security. The CrowdStrike Falcon platform uses artificial intelligence to detect information security events early and neutralize them before they develop into critical information security incidents.

To effectively block cyberattacks, CrowdStrike combines NGAV (next-generation antivirus), EDR, and XDR technologies in a single cloud agent. This enables automated analysis of information security incidents and immediate response to any anomalies. When a hacking attempt occurs, the system detects whether it is an information security incident or not, preventing the attacker from moving laterally. As information security threats become increasingly sophisticated, such speed of response is crucial.

The Falcon platform helps mitigate the most dangerous types of information security incidents, including credential theft. The Identity Protection module analyzes user behavior in real time, preventing information security incidents related to the use of compromised passwords. Understanding the nature of an information security attack, CrowdStrike experts have developed tools that protect not only endpoints but also cloud environments, containers, and identities, mitigating cybersecurity threats.

For businesses in Poland, Ukraine, and Central Asia, using CrowdStrike is a way to transform the information security risks we discussed into manageable ones. Thanks to Falcon OverWatch‘s 24/7 monitoring, your information security incident history will only include successfully mitigated attacks. We help companies understand the practical nature of an information security incident by providing detailed reports and an evidence base for investigations, turning any information security incident into a valuable learning experience for strengthening their defenses.