Why Personal Data Is at a Greater Risk and What You Can Do About It

As companies rely more on digital tools, cloud platforms, and connected systems, cyberattacks continue to rise. Criminal groups use many strategies to steal personal data, interrupt business operations, and access financial information. Essentially, more digital systems means more opportunities for attackers which means greater need for strong security. 

Included in this Cybersecurity Breakdown: 

1. Do You Work With Sensitive Information? You're a Target. Here's an Example. 
2. What Information They're After
3. YouTube: Cybersecurity Workshop Series Video Breakdown
4. Common Attack Tools in 2026 and Beyond
5. Why Industries Like Government, Healthcare, Finance, and SMBs are Targets
6. How to Protect Your Business With the Right Partner In Place

Businesses Who Work with Sensitive Information Are Frequent Cyber Targets

In June 2023, a major cyberattack occurred when hackers exploited a vulnerability in MOVEit, a widely used file‑transfer software. This flaw allowed attackers to steal sensitive information from thousands of organizations and nearly 100 million people.

Several U.S. federal agencies were affected, including entities within the Department of Energy.

Here's the Breakdown:

• MOVEit software had a flaw that allowed unauthorized access.
• Attackers targeted government organizations specifically. 
• Compromised personal data increases identity theft risk.

But this kind of breach doesn’t only affect government. Any organization that stores sensitive data like  healthcare groups, banks, retail stores, and small businesses are vulnerable.

What The Hackers Are After

During the MOVEit breach, attackers focused heavily on personal identifying information (PII), such as driver’s license numbers, ID data, and records tied to government systems.

Why target this information?

• PII enables identity theft (for opening accounts or making fraudulent purchases).
• PII can be sold on the dark web. 
• PII exposure created long-term financial and security risks.

This type of data remains a top target in 2026 because it is valuable, widely collected, and difficult for victims to replace. 

Common Cyberattack Tools Used Today

Cyberattacks often succeed because criminals use specialized tools designed to trick users or break into systems.

Malware

Malicious software that steals data installs harmful programs, and/or disrupts operations. Malware infects computers, exposing sensitive information stored there. 

Botnets

Networks of infected computers controlled by a single attacker. Botnets automate large-scale attacks for small-scale threat actors. 

Social Engineering

Manipulating people into giving away passwords or clicking unsafe links. This includes things like phishing, smishing, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and any other attack where they impersonate someone in power. Social engineering exploits human trust. 

These tactics continue to evolve, especially as AI makes it easier to craft more convincing fraudulent messages.

Why government, healthcare, financial, ad small businesses are at risk

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting smaller organizations because they often lack in‑house security expertise and rely heavily on third‑party software. The 2023 MOVEit incident showed how one flaw in a common tool can create a ripple effect impacting thousands of businesses at once.

Here's the breakdown of why you're the target:

• Third-party tools increase shared vulnerability. Government, healthcare, financial, and small businesses often use third-party tools to help get their jobs done faster. 
• Limited cybersecurity resources create higher risk. For the same reason you use third-party tools, you probably don't invest as deeply in cybersecurity tools. 
• More digital operations that include PII require stronger protection. You're dealing with sensitive information. Attackers want that information. 

Protect Your Company From a Data Breach With Centre Technologies