Breach vs Hack: What’s The Difference?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats, the terms “breach” and “hack” are all-too-often often used interchangeably when discussing cybersecurity, with many businesses using one term to describe the other, and putting a blanket precaution in place for both. In truth, there are subtle yet significant differences between the terms, and understanding the nuances between them is vital for businesses, particularly when preparing to mitigate risks and improve cybersecurity training. 

To help you make this distinction, we took a closer look at the differences between the two, as well as the top tips you can take on board to help protect your business when faced with a breach or a hack. 

Breaches vs hacks

So, just what are the main differences between these two terms? In short, a hack usually involves cybercriminals gaining unauthorised access to systems, networks, or devices. 

Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities or use social engineering tactics to infiltrate systems. Their motives can range from financial gain to ideological statements, and the results can be devastating.

A breach, on the other hand, is the actual exposure or loss of data resulting from a hack, system misconfiguration, or human error and negligence. Not all hacks lead to breaches, but breaches invariably indicate a failure in data security protocols.

In other words, a hack is usually the first step in the process, allowing cybercriminals to gain the access they need for nefarious purposes, while a breach is the result of this, referring to the information that is lost or stolen. 

Though there are differences, both breaches and hacks can have devastating effects on businesses - 2023 saw over 8 million records breached, often linked to misconfigurations and social engineering attacks. The Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report reveals that almost three-quarters of breaches involved the human element, emphasising the critical role of cybersecurity training.

These figures highlight the ongoing shift in attack methods, from brute-force hacking to more sophisticated phishing and social engineering campaigns.

The impact on businesses

For businesses, the fallout from data breaches can extend far beyond the immediate technical and logistical challenges. Financially, the impact is staggering; IBM’s 2023 report highlighted that the average cost of a breach globally reached $4.45 million,and these costs encompass legal fees, remediation efforts, and lost revenue due to downtime. Fines are also a potential financial consequence: under GDPR, organisations can face substantial penalties for failing to safeguard personal data. Perhaps one of the most high-profile examples is British Airways, who were fined £20 million in 2020 after a breach exposed sensitive customer information.

Beyond direct expenses, breaches severely damage an organisation's reputation. Customers will quickly lose trust in businesses unable to protect their data, which can lead to long-term harm to brand loyalty and future sales. Ultimately, businesses of any size can suffer from the combination of financial strain, reputational damage, and legal repercussions - and all of this underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.

How do hacks and breaches happen? 

A key element of maintaining good cybersecurity habits is understanding how incidents have the opportunity to occur in the first place. Cybercriminals employ various tactics, often exploiting vulnerabilities in both technology and human behaviour. Some of the main tactics include:

Phishing

Phishing is one of the most prevalent methods, and this works by tricking employees into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information through seemingly legitimate emails.

Out of date software

On the technical side, unpatched software vulnerabilities are another common entry point. For instance, the infamous Log4j vulnerability demonstrated how attackers can exploit even minor flaws to gain control over systems, and highlighted just how widespread these attacks can be.

Misconfigurations

Misconfigurations occur when systems, applications, or devices are set up incorrectly, leaving vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. Common examples include leaving cloud storage buckets publicly accessible, failing to enforce proper access controls, or neglecting to disable default settings that weaken security. 

Misconfigurations are a leading cause of data breaches, as they provide easy access points for cybercriminals to exploit without requiring advanced hacking techniques. By regularly auditing and properly configuring systems, businesses can significantly reduce their exposure to these risks.

Understanding these methods tells us how hacks and breaches can take place, and this knowledge is the first step in preventing them. Knowledge and understanding, combined with well-informed teams and robust security practices, help to form the foundation of a strong defence.

How to safeguard your business

There are a few steps that businesses can take to help improve their overall security, and reduce the risk of falling victim to a hack or a breach. Some must-try tips include:

By combining technical safeguards with a strong focus on employee awareness and responsibility, businesses can create a resilient defence against ever-evolving cyber threats

Final thoughts

Understanding the difference between a breach and a hack is more than semantics—it’s crucial for creating an effective cybersecurity strategy. As the human element remains the weakest link, investing in cybersecurity training can significantly reduce risks. By fostering a culture of awareness, businesses can better protect themselves against the ever-growing threat of cyberattacks.