Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have become an integral part of our daily lives. We use them for communication, entertainment, online shopping, and many other purposes. However, the convenience offered by these devices also brings certain risks, particularly concerning the security of our data. Mobile data leakage and data breaches have become prevalent, making it crucial for individuals and organizations to take necessary precautions to safeguard their sensitive information What are Mobile Data Leakage and Data Breaches? Mobile data leakage refers to the unauthorized disclosure or exposure of data stored on a mobile device. It can occur due to various reasons, including software vulnerabilities, malicious apps, weak passwords, or even physical theft of the device. On the other hand, data breaches involve unauthorized access or exposure of data stored in a system, network, or database. Mobile data breaches can result from cyberattacks, hacking attempts, or security vulnerabilities in mobile applications. Common Causes of Mobile Data Leakage Insecure Mobile Applications One of the leading causes of mobile data leakage is the use of insecure mobile applications. Some developers may not prioritize security measures, leading to vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. These vulnerabilities may allow unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the application. Weak Device Security A lack of robust device security measures can make mobile devices vulnerable to data leakage. Weak passwords, lack of biometric authentication, and outdated security patches can allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to the device and its data. Read more: Understanding VPN: The Comprehensive Guide Phishing Attacks Phishing attacks targeting mobile devices have become increasingly common. Attackers may use deceptive techniques, such as fraudulent emails or text messages, to trick users into providing sensitive information or downloading malicious apps. Falling victim to a phishing attack can result in data leakage. Malware and Spyware Mobile devices are also susceptible to malware and spyware infections. These malicious programs can be installed through untrusted apps or compromised websites, allowing attackers to monitor and collect sensitive data without the user's knowledge. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks Connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks exposes mobile devices to potential data leakage. Attackers can intercept data transmitted over these networks, compromising the confidentiality of the user's information. It is essential to avoid connecting to untrusted or public Wi-Fi networks whenever possible. Lost or Stolen Devices The loss or theft of a mobile device can lead to significant data leakage. If the device is not adequately protected with passwords or encryption, anyone who gains access to it can potentially access the sensitive information stored on the device. Read more: How to Protect Your YouTube Channel from Getting Hacked Lack of Data Encryption Data encryption plays a vital role in protecting sensitive information. Without proper encryption, unauthorized individuals can easily access and exploit data stored on mobile devices. Insider Threats Insider threats refer to individuals within an organization who have authorized access to sensitive data but misuse it for personal gain or with malicious intent. Insider threats can lead to intentional or unintentional data leakage.

The European Union slapped Meta with a record $1.3 billion privacy fine Monday (May 22, 2023) and ordered it to stop transferring user data across the Atlantic by October, the latest salvo in a decadelong case sparked by U.S. cybersnooping fears. The penalty fine of 1.2 billion euros from Ireland's Data Protection Commission is the biggest since the EU's strict data privacy regime took effect five years ago, surpassing Amazon's 746 million euro penalty in 2021 for data protection violations. The Irish watchdog is Meta's lead privacy regulator in the 27-nation bloc because the Silicon Valley tech giant's European headquarters is based in Dublin. Meta, which had previously warned that services for its users in Europe could be cut off, vowed to appeal and ask courts to immediately put the decision on hold. Read more: Facebook user data issue: Facebook parent company Meta will pay $725M “There is no immediate disruption to Facebook in Europe,” the company said. “This decision is flawed, unjustified and sets a dangerous precedent for the countless other companies transferring data between the EU and U.S.,” Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global and affairs, and Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Newstead said in a statement. It's yet another twist in a legal battle that began in 2013 when Austrian lawyer and privacy activist Max Schrems filed a complaint about Facebook’s handling of his data following former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden’s revelations about U.S. cybersnooping. The saga has highlighted the clash between Washington and Brussels over the differences between Europe's strict view on data privacy and the comparatively lax regime in the U.S., which lacks a federal privacy law. Read more: Meta oversight board urges changes to VIP moderation system An agreement covering EU-U.S. data transfers known as the Privacy Shield was struck down in 2020 by the EU's top court, which said it didn’t do enough to protect residents from the U.S. government's electronic prying. That left another tool to govern data transfers — stock legal contracts. Irish regulators initially ruled that Meta didn't need to be fined because it was acting in good faith in using them to move data across the Atlantic. But it was overruled by the EU's top panel of data privacy authorities last month, a decision that the Irish watchdog confirmed Monday. Meanwhile, Brussels and Washington signed an agreement last year on a reworked Privacy Shield that Meta could use, but the pact is awaiting a decision from European officials on whether it adequately protects data privacy. EU institutions have been reviewing the agreement, and the bloc's lawmakers this month called for improvements, saying the safeguards aren't strong enough. Read more: Meta contributes over Tk1.5 crore for Sitrang-hit people's rehabilitation efforts Meta warned in its latest earnings report that without a legal basis for data transfers, it will be forced to stop offering its products and services in Europe, “which would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.” The social media company might have to carry out a costly and complex revamp of its operations if it's forced to stop shipping user data across the Atlantic. Meta has a fleet of 21 data centers, according to its website, but 17 of them are in the United States. Three others are in the European nations of Denmark, Ireland and Sweden. Another is in Singapore. Other social media giants are facing pressure over their data practices. TikTok has tried to soothe Western fears about the Chinese-owned short video sharing app's potential cybersecurity risks with a $1.5 billion project to store U.S. user data on Oracle servers. Read more: Ohio retirement fund sues Facebook over investment loss