The cybersecurity breach data from PrivacyRights.org reveals a vast amount of information that the researchers can use in undertaking studies regarding the many facets of such incidents or occurrences. For instance, researchers may analyze the patterns of businesses and sectors that are mostly compromised to determine breach trends and typical weaknesses (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse | Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 2020). There are many groups, such as government, education, financial/insurance, and healthcare, from which risks can be analyzed in terms of sectors that present the highest risk level. They could also focus on the particular categories of information stolen, including usernames and emails, bank accounts, and health records. This would reveal what type of information is most profitable or susceptible to attackers. Additionally, researchers can analyze the underlying reasons for breaches, such as hacking, accidental exposure, and insider criminal activities. Finally, researchers could track the chronology and shaping of the breaches by identifying any patterns of change in time or areas. This information could indicate new targets for the hackers or how to strengthen regulations and policies.
Reference
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse | Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. (2020). Privacyrights.org. https://privacyrights.org/