Customers love us

  • uuid 74e1a1a5 6f40 4028 a6a6 852a295ec504 | Data breach vs data leak
    Thousands of clients trust us
  • uuid 0e2bb2d2 15e1 4782 aac7 89df887ba2c3 | Data breach vs data leak
    No upfront fee
  • uuid 53eb1ec5 b283 4f79 98a2 fb5815c90cd3 | Data breach vs data leak
    ≈ 85% success rate
  • uuid 84ea24a3 acf6 4503 9ece 393ddb536ba0 | Data breach vs data leak
    We are international
CHECK COMPENSATION

Intro

Data breaches and data leaks are related but different concepts. If you think of your data as being protected behind a door, a data breach equals getting past that door, while a leak reveals or uses what was previously private.

Both data breaches and data leaks can be dangerous, but one follows the other. They have similar yet different preventative measures. 

Key Takeaways:

  • A data breach is about accessing data, while a data leak is unwanted data exposure.
  • Data breaches are often intentional, while data leaks can be unintentional.
  • A privacy leak is the first step to exposing more users to data hacks and breaches.
  • Whether you were affected or are just exploring options, you can check your eligibility for compensation.

Data Breach vs. Data Leak Explained

A data breach is the unauthorized access to private or sensitive data, often involving deliberate intent and effort. It is usually the result of a cyberattack, searching and exploiting security vulnerabilities, or using social engineering to trick administrators and users. Consequently, data is stolen or copied by attackers or recipients, making it completely accessible for hackers’ use or others.

A data leak is the exposure of private or sensitive data, sometimes unintentionally due to human or system errors. It can be caused by misconfigured systems, accidental sharing, security flaws, or a lack of personal awareness and training. Consequently, data remains within the home system but is made visible to unauthorized individuals. If the result of a data breach, the copied data is now made public and open to view by all those who may be interested.

Data Breach vs. Data Leak Definitions

A data breach is about breaking into a room to get the valuables inside. 

  • For the most part, data breach prevention is beyond one’s control. It depends on the security of the platform that contains your data. 
  • You can make it harder for you to be the vector for a data breach by making your account more secure.  

A data leak equals leaving a door open or having a window inside a room.

  • You may easily cause data leaks yourself. To prevent this from happening, make sure you only publicly share the data you feel is safe to publish. 
  • Protecting your accounts and limiting the personal information you share can reduce the amount of info that can be harvested from your online presence.

Is there any compensation for a data breach vs. for a data leak?

It’s common for both large-scale data breaches and data leaks to result in compensation for affected individuals. The exact data breach and data leak settlement amounts may vary based on factors like the user’s location and the extent of the data breach or data leak.

Am I Affected?

If you were affected, you should receive a data breach notification letter within 72 hours of its discovery. But, there have already been cases when these notices don’t get sent out at all, either as part of a cover-up to protect the company’s image or to avoid identifying users who might be entitled to compensation. So in case of a data leak, it’s a smart move to fill out the form and join the claim regardless. 

What To Do?

Whether you believe you were affected or are just exploring your options, you can quickly and easily check your eligibility and compensation amount with our quick data breach checker. In under two minutes, you’ll know how much money you can get and will be able to claim compensation. Give it a try!

Data Leak vs. Others

Data breaches and data leaks are known by various names, which can make things confusing. Some of these names mean the same thing, while others are a bit different. We explain and compare these terms below.

og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

Data breach compensation

In today’s interconnected world, data breaches have become an increasingly common occurrence, exposing sensitive personal information to potential harm. While companies are responsible for safeguarding user data, individuals may be entitled to compensation if their personal information is compromised in a data breach. Whether you have been directly impacted or are simply seeking more information, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to understand your rights and explore potential avenues for compensation.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

Data breach prevention

In today’s digital world, data breaches have become increasingly common, posing a significant threat to individuals’ personal information. While businesses bear the responsibility of safeguarding user data, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves and minimize the impact of data breaches.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

What to do after data breach?

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, and they can have a devastating impact on our lives. When our personal information is compromised, we may be at risk of identity theft, fraud, and other financial losses. It’s important to know what to do if you’re affected by a data breach.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

Data breach checker

With major data breaches increasingly common, checking whether your personal information appears in stolen data dumps circulating online has become critical. Data breach checker tools let you conveniently search billions of compromised identities to uncover if your emails, passwords or other sensitive details were exposed unknowingly.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

This password appeared in a data leak

Many major online platforms like Apple, Google and Microsoft now automatically check users’ passwords against databases of credentials leaked on the dark web. If your password appears in one of these compromised data dumps, companies will proactively send alerts urging users to change it.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

Data breach notice

Data breaches exposing consumers’ personal information are an unfortunate reality today. When a breach occurs, companies are required to provide notice to affected individuals within a certain timeframe. Receiving a data breach notice means your information was likely compromised.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

Data Breach Discovery

Imagine the shock of realizing your personal information has been exposed in a data breach. But before you can even begin to react, the wheels are already in motion. A complex, often hidden, process unfolds as the breach is discovered, investigated, and contained.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

Data breach vs data loss

Data leak and data loss are sometimes used interchangeably, with Data Loss Prevention Tools (DLP) being more about preventing data leaks.  If you imagine Data Breach as someone breaking down your door, Data Leak as you leave that door open or someone peeping through the window, Data Loss is just outright theft or burning the room down. Technically speaking, if you still have your data it is not lost but can still be stolen.  For other forms of data hacks, at least you have your own local copy of your data. With data loss, you have to deal with the destruction of your data. Grieve if you didn’t have a backup.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

Data breach vs data leak

Data breaches and data leaks are related but different concepts. If you think of your data as being protected behind a door, a data breach is about getting past that door while a leak is revealing or using what was previously private.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

Data leak definition

A data leak is where your private info goes where it shouldn’t. This could be intentional due to a security breach, or it being exposed elsewhere by other people. It can also involve data that might otherwise be public but harvested and compiled into a database, and releasing them can still be damaging.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

Privacy Breach Protection

A privacy breach is the unauthorized access, acquisition, disclosure, or use of sensitive and confidential information that is intended to be kept private. Data privacy is enshrined in rules and protections both offline and online. Confidentiality is your right.  A privacy breach can have severe consequences surprising you out of nowhere. This can range from constantly being hammered by spam and scams – to financial losses, slander, identity theft, reputation damage, legal problems, and your other accounts and devices being compromised.

LEARN MORE
og data breach EN orange | Data breach vs data leak

Data Breach

Imagine a door with your important documents behind it. A data breach means unauthorized individuals gain access to the sensitive and protected data behind that door. This could include your real name, true location, personal details, financial information, private and intimate content, trade secrets, etc. But it doesn’t matter how they get past that door – as soon as that info is seen by someone not supposed to see it, the breach is done.

LEARN MORE

Data Breaches and Data Leaks Types

Here are some common types of data breaches that occur online:

  • Data Hack and Malware – When direct cyberattacks and downloaded malware can break open cybersecurity protections.
  • Software Exploitation – Unpatched software or website vulnerabilities are exploited by hackers to access privileged information.
  • Phishing and Stolen Credentials – The use of stolen data for identity theft and gaining access to users’ accounts.
  • Social Engineering – This refers to fooling otherwise authorized users to allow them to gain control over high-level accounts.
  • Third-Party Incidents – When data released to third parties is unsecured or given in contravention of privacy regulations.

Here are some common types of data leaks you may encounter:

  • Unsecured Communications – When emails and communications are not encrypted or are sent to multiple uninvolved people.
  • Accidental Public Release – When someone makes a mistake and sends private information out to public view.
  • Deliberate Info Leak – When there is a deliberate attempt to leak privileged information for profit, clout, agendas, or some other motivation.
  • Wiretapping/Eavesdropping – Communications that are weakly or not encrypted can also be intercepted and read by prepared individuals.

Data Breach and Data Leak Causes

A data breach is an intrusion. Therefore, it can happen through various deliberate means, such as:

  • Cyberattacks and malware,
  • Social engineering scams,
  • Stolen or spoofed credentials,
  • Internal insider actions,
  • Or non-compliance with regulatory laws.

A data leak is a disclosure. Therefore, it can occur through the means listed above, but also through accidental means like:

  • Leaving accounts logged in and unattended,
  • Logging into active accounts in lost or stolen devices,
  • Leaving databases unencrypted or open to access,
  • Giving employees easy access to user accounts,
  • Improperly configuring private settings to public,
  • Accidentally sending information to everyone,
  • Having someone harvest and compile public data,
  • Someone posting private data into a public space,
  • And so on.

Data Leaks Examples

Check out these real-world examples to get a more practical understanding of how data leaks work, what happens in case of a data leak, and what we can learn from these examples. 

fb og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Deezer Data Breach 

Do you have Deezer? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Facebook data leak 👉 Get up to €500 in settlement payout ✅ Check eligibility with our Calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
Bayer | Data breach vs data leak

Essure Lawsuit: Compensation for Affected Women 

Do you have Deezer? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Facebook data leak 👉 Get up to €500 in settlement payout ✅ Check eligibility with our Calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
JampJ | Data breach vs data leak

Johnson & Johnson – Talc Powder Case 

Do you have Deezer? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Facebook data leak 👉 Get up to €500 in settlement payout ✅ Check eligibility with our Calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
og article en blue | Data breach vs data leak

Avast Privacy Breach

Do you have Avast antivirus? 🔥 Then you may have been affected by a data breach 👉 Get a settlement ✅ Check your claim with our claim calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
apple og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

APPLE Data Breach

Do you have Apple? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Apple data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
amazon og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Amazon Data Breach

Do you have Amazon? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Amazon data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
hm og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

H&M Data Breach

Do you have H&M? 🔥 Then you could be affected by H&M data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
twitch og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Twitch Data Breach

Do you have Twitch? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Twitchdata leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our Data Breach Checker ➡️

LEARN MORE
dropbox og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Dropbox Data Breach

Do you have Dropbox? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Dropbox data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
adobe og rticle en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Adobe Data Breach

Do you have Adobe Creative Cloud? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Adobe data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
ebay og article en blue | Data breach vs data leak

eBay Data Breach

Do you have eBay? 🔥 Then you could be affected by eBay data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
yahoo og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Yahoo Data Breach

Do you have Yahoo? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Yahoo data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
marriot og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Marriott Data Breach

Do you know the Marriott? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Marriot data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our Calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
fb og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Facebook Data Breach

Do you have Facebook? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Facebook data leak 👉 Get up to €500 in settlement payout ✅ Check eligibility with our Calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
google og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Google Data Breach

Do you use Google? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Google data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
whatsapp og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

WhatsApp Data Breach

Do you have WhatsApp? 🔥 Then you could be affected by WhatsApp data leak 👉 Get up to €500 in settlement payout ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
uber og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Uber Data Breach

Do you have Uber? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Uber data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
twitter og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Twitter Data Breach

Do you have Twitter/X? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Twitter/X data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
tiktok og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

TikTok Data Breach

Do you have TikTok? 🔥 Then you could be affected by TikTok data leak 👉 Get up to €500 in settlement payout ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
tmobile og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

T-Mobile Data Breach

Do you have T-Mobile? 🔥 Then you could be affected by T-Mobile data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
spotify og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Spotify Data Breach

Do you have Spotify? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Spotify data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
sony og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Sony Data Breach

Do you have Sony? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Sony data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
ig og article en orange | Data breach vs data leak

Instagram Data Breach

Do you have Instagram? 🔥 Then you could be affected by Instagram data leak 👉 Get up to €500 in settlement payout ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE
LinkedIn2 | Data breach vs data leak

LinkedIn Data Breach

Do you have LinkedIn? 🔥 Then you could be affected by LinkedIn data leak 👉 Get compensation ✅ Check eligibility with our calculator ➡️

LEARN MORE

Conclusion

Data breaches and data leaks are similar, and the information that comes out of them can be put to dangerous use. 

While data breaches require proactive defense and constant monitoring to protect against malicious actors, data leaks require internal controls and self-awareness about making sure your data goes where it should be going.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to minimize or prevent Data breach impact?

Using virtual payment cards with spending limits and unique email addresses for different services can greatly reduce the risks of data breaches. Disposable virtual cards protect your financial details, while custom email addresses (like “yourname+service@gmail.com”) help identify compromised services. These strategies add security layers, minimizing the impact of breaches on your personal and financial data.

What to do after a data breach?

In case of a data breach, promptly change your passwords on the affected accounts, making them strong and unique. Activate two-factor authentication for added security. Monitor your financial statements and credit reports for any unusual activity. Alert your bank or credit card provider about potential fraud. Be cautious of phishing scams following the breach and consider a credit freeze. Finally, report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

What is a Data breach notice?

A data breach notice is an official alert sent by an organization to individuals whose personal data, including potentially compromised passwords, may have been exposed in a security breach. Such a notice can often follow warnings from services like Apple or Google indicating that “this password appeared in a data leak.” It details the nature of the breach, affected data types, potential risks, and the organization’s remedial actions. The notice advises on protective measures, such as changing passwords and monitoring credit reports to mitigate harm.

Can I sue, and how to join a class action lawsuit?

Yes, you can sue for a data breach. With Remunzo, joining an active class action lawsuit is easy. Check your eligibility on our platform, and if your case is active, you can join the lawsuit. Remunzo handles all legal proceedings and negotiations for a settlement. These processes can take some time, but we keep you updated throughout. Use our Quick Data Leak Checker to see if you qualify to join and claim compensation.

When will I get paid the data breach settlement?

The time it takes to receive a data breach settlement payment varies, often taking several months after a settlement is reached. Factors like case complexity, number of claimants, and legal procedures affect the timeline. Remunzo will keep you informed about the settlement progress, but patience is key as these processes can be lengthy.

Sources

  1. Personal data Breach [Internet]. European Data Protection Supervisor. 2024. Available from: https://edps.europa.eu/data-protection/our-role-supervisor/personal-data-breach_en
  2. Oaic. Notifiable data breaches [Internet]. OAIC. 2023. Available from: https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/notifiable-data-breaches
  3. BBC News. How safe is my data after a hack or leak? BBC News [Internet]. 2023 Aug 9; Available from: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66451970

Share

newsletter | Data breach vs data leak

Stay up to date

    Submiting implies consent to our privacy policy
    | Data breach vs data leak

    Author

    Our team counts over 80+ skilled lawyers from 8 countries and has many partner law firms working on your claims. You can trust us to take good care of your claims. We’re working to make a world where taking big companies to court is simple and just a few clicks away for everyone, no matter their budget, skills, or background. Our goal is to build a future where it’s easy for everyone to stand up for their rights and get justice.