In the context of security ratings, an "information leak" refers to the unauthorized disclosure or exposure of sensitive or confidential data from a system or organization. It occurs when information intended to remain private or restricted is unintentionally or deliberately made accessible to unauthorized individuals or entities.

An information leak can happen due to various factors, such as vulnerabilities in software or systems, improper access controls, weak security measures, human error, or malicious actions by insiders or external attackers. An information leak can lead to significant risks, including data breaches, identity theft, financial loss, reputational damage, or legal consequences.

Preventing and mitigating information leaks requires implementing robust security measures, such as encryption, access controls, intrusion detection systems, regular security audits, employee training, and incident response plans. By addressing vulnerabilities and implementing proactive security practices, organizations can reduce the risk of information leaks and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

ThreatNG Security Ratings provides enhanced fidelity, validity, and insight into Information Leakage by incorporating external attack surface analysis and digital risk protection capabilities, including Domain Intelligence and Cloud & SaaS Exposure assessment. These features contribute to more comprehensively evaluating an organization's susceptibility to data leaks.

External Attack Surface Analysis: ThreatNG Security Ratings consider the external attack surface of an organization. This involves examining the publicly accessible digital footprint, including domains, IP addresses, subdomains, and associated infrastructure. By analyzing the external attack surface, the rating system identifies potential entry points for attackers and assesses the overall risk posture.

Domain Intelligence: Domain Intelligence is the analysis of domain-related data and information. ThreatNG Security Ratings leverage domain intelligence capabilities to gather insights about an organization's domain names, WHOIS information, historical records, SSL certificates, and other relevant data. This helps identify potential vulnerabilities and understand the security posture associated with the organization's domains.

Cloud & SaaS Exposure Assessment: ThreatNG Security Ratings assess the organization's exposure to cloud and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms. This includes identifying exposed open cloud buckets, which can unintentionally leak sensitive data if not properly secured. By scanning and analyzing the cloud and SaaS environments, the rating system detects misconfigurations or vulnerabilities that could lead to data leaks.

Data Leak Susceptibility Scoring: ThreatNG Security Ratings incorporate a scoring mechanism to evaluate an organization's susceptibility to data leaks. This scoring considers various factors, such as the organization's security controls, data protection measures, encryption practices, access controls, and incident response capabilities. By assessing these aspects, the rating system can estimate the organization's likelihood of experiencing an information leak.

By integrating external attack surface analysis, domain intelligence, cloud & SaaS exposure assessment, and data leak susceptibility scoring, ThreatNG Security Ratings offer a more comprehensive and holistic evaluation of an organization's information leak risk. This approach enhances the fidelity and validity of the Information Leak Score by considering internal and external factors contributing to the overall security posture and potential vulnerabilities related to data leaks.