"Social Security Numbers Most Targeted Sensitive Data"

Security researchers at Spirion have discovered that Social Security Numbers (SSN) are the type of sensitive data most commonly targeted in data breaches in the United States.  The researchers analyzed more than 1,500 data breaches involving sensitive data in the United States last year.  A total of 1,862 data compromises were reported by US organizations last year, representing a 68% increase over 2020 and making 2021 steal 2017’s title of the most prolific year on record for data breaches.  Personal Health Information (PHI) was the second most targeted form of sensitive data and was the focus of 41% of data incidents.  The third most predated forms of sensitive data were bank account information and driver’s licenses, which were each involved in 23% of incidents.  Trends identified by the researchers included the emergence of supply chain and third-party attacks as a leading contributor to sensitive data compromises in 2021.  The researchers noted that a total of 93 third-party attacks impacted 559 organizations, exposing more than 1.1 billion data records.  Of these incidents, 83% contained sensitive data.

Infosecurity reports: "Social Security Numbers Most Targeted Sensitive Data"