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David Navin, Corporate Security Specialist, Smoothwall:

“As data breaches continue to hit the news agenda, today’s casualty is the Guardian’s dating site Guardian Soulmates. The news that users contact information has been exposed and resulted in receiving explicit emails and content causing distress to its customers is yet another example of why businesses must ensure that they are keeping their data secure.

“Due to the nature of the breach, it reiterates how businesses should always be mindful of security regarding third-party partners. While many businesses often use external companies for support, threat actors see third parties as a ‘way in’ to the main organisation, which may well be the case with Guardian Soulmates’ third-party supplier. While using third-party suppliers is not uncommon – and an absolute necessity for many – it is harder for companies to retain an omniscient view across the whole business.

“The importance of security needs to be at the top of every boardroom’s agenda and across the C-suite as well as all of their staff, so they do not allow themselves to be susceptible to a cyber-criminal’s advances. It is common knowledge now that the majority of security breaches occur due to human error which appears to be the cause of this latest breach. Ensuring a strong security culture is instilled throughout the workforce is vital to ensure staff are constantly vigilant and aware of the threats. They need to ensure that they are complying with regulation and build a layered security defence which spans encryption, firewalls, web filtering and ongoing threat monitoring as well as a proactive stance. Companies no matter how big or small all need to have measures and contingency plans in place so that if a breach does occur, they are able to recover and instil customer confidence as soon as possible.”