What does data exfiltration refer to?

Data exfiltration refers specifically to the unauthorized transfer of data to an attacker. This usually involves a breach where sensitive or proprietary information is accessed and transmitted outside of an organization’s secure environment, often without the knowledge or consent of the data owner.

The primary focus of data exfiltration is on the security aspect, as it poses a significant risk to individuals and organizations, leading to identity theft, financial loss, or breaches of confidentiality. Understanding this concept is critical for implementing robust cybersecurity measures aimed at preventing unauthorized data access and transfer.

In contrast to data exfiltration, encryption techniques involve securing data to prevent unauthorized access, while backups of sensitive information are measures taken to ensure data availability and integrity. Optimizing data storage solutions relates to improving efficiency and performance of storage systems, which does not inherently involve the security implications associated with data exfiltration.