When people hear “data leak,” they usually imagine hackers breaking in, alarms going off, and systems being compromised. In reality, a lot of data leaks happen without any breach at all. No malware. No attacker. Just everyday tools and habits quietly exposing information.
That’s what makes these leaks so dangerous—they often go unnoticed.
Here are five common places where data leakage happens even when security tools are technically “working.”
1. Over-Shared Cloud Folders
Cloud storage is convenient, but sharing settings are easy to misuse. Files marked as “Anyone with the link can view” can spread far beyond their intended audience.
Why it happens:
Links are shared quickly, permissions are rarely reviewed, and “temporary access” often becomes permanent.
What to check:
Regularly audit shared folders and remove public or overly broad access.
2. Email Auto-Forwarding Rules
Auto-forwarding rules are often set for convenience—but they’re also a favorite way data quietly leaves your environment.
Why it happens:
Employees forward work emails to personal accounts or forget forwarding rules exist after changing roles.
What to check:
Disable external auto-forwarding or require admin approval.
3. Old User Accounts That Still Have Access
Former employees, contractors, or temporary staff may no longer work with you—but their accounts sometimes still exist.
Why it happens:
Offboarding focuses on HR tasks, not access cleanup.
What to check:
Regularly review user accounts and permissions across email, cloud apps, and shared systems.
4. Personal Devices Used for Work
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies blur the line between personal and company data.
Why it happens:
Business files get downloaded to personal laptops, phones, or tablets with no monitoring or encryption.
What to check:
Use device management tools or restrict access to sensitive data on unmanaged devices.
5. Screens, Printers, and Physical Visibility
Not all data leaks are digital.
Why it happens:
Documents left on printers, screens visible during meetings, or laptops left unlocked can expose sensitive information.
What to check:
Simple habits—screen locks, secure printing, and clean desk policies—still matter.
Final Thought
Data leakage isn’t always the result of an attack. Often, it’s the result of convenience, oversight, or outdated processes. The good news? These risks are usually easier to fix than a breach—if you know where to look.
At ETTE, we help organizations spot these quiet leaks and close them before they become real problems.