Websites like PrivacyRights.org are invaluable resources for identifying common vulnerabilities in data security. They provide a centralized place to track breaches, analyze attack patterns, and understand which types of data are most at risk. The people who maintain and update these databases play a crucial role in cybersecurity by ensuring that organizations and researchers have access to real-world examples of security failures. For anyone pursuing a career in cybersecurity, studying these incidents is essential—it offers practical insights into evolving threats and highlights the importance of proactive security measures. Having access to this kind of information not only helps professionals strengthen defenses but also raises awareness about the real-world consequences of data breaches.

During World War II, analysts studied the planes that returned from battle and noticed bullet holes concentrated in certain areas. The initial thought was to reinforce those spots. But statistician Abraham Wald pointed out that they were only looking at the planes that survived—the planes that got hit in other, unseen areas were the ones that didn’t make it back. The real solution was to reinforce the areas without bullet holes, because that’s where damage was fatal.

In cybersecurity, we often focus on publicly reported data breaches—the ones we know about. But what about the breaches that go undetected or unreported? The data from sites like PrivacyRights.org is valuable, but it might not show the full picture. Some attacks might be so sophisticated that they leave no trace, or organizations might not disclose everything. So, while studying reported breaches helps identify common vulnerabilities, researchers should also consider what’s missing from the data. Just like the missing bullet holes on those WWII planes, the biggest security threats might be the ones we aren’t seeing. Food for thought!