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Top 5 Causes of Data Breaches in Professional Services

Knowing where breaches start is half the battle. These five causes account for most incidents in professional firms. Most data breaches stem from everyday errors — not hackers. In professional services, the top five causes include: All of these can be reduced with training, tech, and clear policy enforcement.

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Knowing where breaches start is half the battle. These five causes account for most incidents in professional firms.

Most data breaches stem from everyday errors — not hackers. In professional services, the top five causes include:

  1. Mis-sent emails (wrong recipient or attachment)
  2. Lack of encryption on mobile devices
  3. Phishing attacks on staff
  4. Unsecured data sharing tools
  5. Poor access controls on shared folders

All of these can be reduced with training, tech, and clear policy enforcement.

Dr Floyd Millen profile picture
Dr Floyd Millen

Floyd Millen is the founder of PrivacyIQ, bringing over a decade's experience in data protection and privacy risk from senior roles at organisations including the BBC, HMRC, BNP Paribas, and Post Office Ltd. He helps businesses of every size turn compliance into a genuine strategic asset.

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