Cyberattacks are growing every day. Businesses of all sizes are under attack — from small shops to big companies. If you don’t know how breaches happen, your business could be the next target.
So, which of the following are common causes of breaches? Understanding this is key to stopping attacks before they cause harm. Whether you are an MSSP reseller, a VPN provider, or a mid-sized business, knowing what leads to breaches will help you stay safe.
Fact: According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, 83% of companies will face a breach at some point. The average cost of a data breach in 2025 is $5 million — a big loss for any business.
In this blog, we will answer:
- Which of the following are common causes of breaches?
- What are the biggest risks to businesses today?
Which of the Following Are Common Causes of Breaches?
Here are the most common causes of data breaches that affect businesses worldwide:
| Cause of Breach | Description |
| Phishing Attacks | Fake emails tricking employees to give up passwords |
| Weak or Reused Passwords | Easy-to-guess or repeated passwords used on many accounts |
| Malware & Ransomware | Malicious software that steals or locks data |
| Insider Threats | Employees or contractors misusing access |
| Unpatched Software & Systems | Outdated software with known flaws |
| Third-Party Vendor Breaches | Hackers breaking in through partners or vendors |
| Poor Network Security (No VPN) | Unsecured networks open to attacks |
These causes lead to some of the biggest breaches businesses face today.
Phishing: The #1 Cause of Data Breaches
Phishing attacks are the most common way hackers break into businesses. Phishing is when attackers send fake emails that look real. They try to trick employees into giving passwords or clicking bad links.
Here are some ways phishing works:
- Fake invoices asking for payment.
- Emails pretending to be from the CEO.
- Fake account security alerts.
- Fake password reset emails.
How to prevent phishing attacks:
- Train employees to spot phishing emails.
- Use email filters to block fake emails.
- Use a VPN to protect internet traffic so attackers can’t see what employees are doing online.
Weak Passwords and Credential Stuffing Attacks
Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways hackers get into accounts. If you use passwords like “123456” or “password,” hackers can guess them. Some hackers also use credential stuffing — they try stolen passwords from other sites to break into your accounts.
Examples of weak passwords:
- “123456”
- “password”
- “CompanyName2023”
How to stop password-related breaches:
- Require strong, unique passwords.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all accounts.
Malware and Ransomware Infections
Malware and ransomware are dangerous programs that steal, lock, or destroy data. They usually get into systems through fake email attachments or bad downloads.
Here’s how malware often gets in:
- Clicking on bad links in emails.
- Downloading software from untrusted sites.
- Visiting infected websites.
To prevent malware attacks:
- Use antivirus and endpoint detection tools.
- Keep all software updated.
- Use a VPN to secure employee connections, so malware cannot easily spread in your network.
Insider Threats: Employees and Contractors Misusing Access
Not all breaches come from outside. Sometimes, employees and contractors misuse access to steal or leak data. These insider threats may be accidental or on purpose.
Examples of insider threats:
- Sharing files over unsecured channels like personal email.
- Misconfiguring databases, leaving them open online.
- Installing unauthorized apps that contain malware.
How to prevent insider threats:
- Set role-based access controls (RBAC) — only give access to what people need.
- Monitor user activities for suspicious behavior.
Unpatched Software and Systems
Hackers love to target businesses that use outdated software with known security flaws. These flaws give attackers an easy way in.
Real-world examples of breaches caused by unpatched software:
- Log4j vulnerability used to hack thousands of businesses.
- Microsoft Exchange server attacks targeting unpatched systems.
How to protect your business:
- Always install security updates as soon as possible.
- Use regular vulnerability scans to find weaknesses.
- Use VPN for remote patching, so updates can be applied securely.
Third-Party Vendor Breaches
Sometimes, hackers don’t attack you directly. They go after vendors or partners you trust. If your vendor gets hacked, they may give attackers a way into your system.
Common third-party risks:
- IT service providers with remote access.
- SaaS platforms storing sensitive data.
- Vendors with weak security practices.
How to reduce third-party risks:
- Always review vendor security policies.
- Use VPN to control vendor access to your network.
How Can PureWL Helps in Preventing These Causes of Breaches?
If you are a business or a service provider looking to add value, PureWL offers a white-label VPN solution. This means you can offer VPN services under your own brand without having to build it yourself. You can resell VPN services to your clients, giving them the protection they need while growing your business.
With PureWL’s white-label VPN, businesses can:
- Keep customer data private and secure.
- Offer secure internet access to clients.
- Prevent hackers from stealing passwords, financial data, or sensitive files.
- Add a trusted security solution to their existing services.
If you’re ready to protect your business from breaches and offer a VPN solution to your customers, PureWL can help you get started fast.
Conclusion
So, which of the following are common causes of breaches? You now know the answer — phishing, weak passwords, malware, insider threats, outdated software, and third-party vendor breaches. These are real threats that can hit any business, no matter how big or small.
One effective way to protect business data and customer information is by using a reliable VPN. With PureWL’s white-label VPN solutions, businesses can offer secure connections under their own brand while ensuring data is encrypted and safe from hackers. Whether you’re looking to secure your own operations or resell VPN as part of your services, PureWL makes it easy to add trusted security that protects both your business and your clients.