Unauthorized access to sensitive information within a system.
Description
In the context of Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols, a data breach occurs when an unauthorized entity gains access to protected user credentials and other sensitive information. SSO allows users to log in once and access multiple applications without needing to enter credentials repeatedly. However, if the SSO system is compromised, attackers can exploit this access to infiltrate numerous connected applications, potentially leading to severe data theft. For example, in 2019, the breach of the SSO system used by the online ticketing service Ticketmaster allowed hackers to access customer payment information and personal details. Such breaches can have devastating effects on user trust and can result in significant financial losses for organizations. Moreover, the interconnected nature of SSO means that a breach can affect multiple services, escalating the impact of the incident. Organizations must implement robust security measures, like two-factor authentication, to protect against these vulnerabilities and ensure user data remains secure.
Examples
- The 2017 Equifax breach exposed sensitive data of 147 million individuals, partly due to weak SSO protections.
- In 2020, an SSO vulnerability in the Okta platform was exploited, allowing unauthorized access to client data.
Additional Information
- Implementing strong encryption and regular security audits can help prevent data breaches.
- User education on recognizing phishing attempts is crucial in safeguarding SSO systems.