Today's interconnected world relies heavily on digital data, making it a prized possession for most organizations. This increase in digital data's value and need, coupled with rapid technological advancements, has also seen a rise in data breaches within the cyber security landscape. When we talk about the key 'causes of data breach', we refer to a multitude of factors and variables that contribute to this worrying trend.

Let's dive into exploring the major causes of data breach in the rising cyber security landscape, thus seeking to put forward viable solutions to curb this ever-present issue.

Human Error – The Unintentional Thieves

Unintentional actions by employees often result in most data breaches. From clicking on malicious links to misplacing company hardware, the human factor is a major cause. For instance, an employee could mistakenly send sensitive data to the wrong recipient, compromising the information. Levelling up employee awareness through proper education can help lessen these unintended data violations.

The Threat from Inside

Inside threats are another major cause. Malicious employees possess all the credentials and accesses which can be used to execute prominent data breaches. From making undue profits to holding personal grudges or even corporate espionage, inner reasons for data breaches are as various as they are damaging.

Hacking and Malware Infections

In many cases, external entities or individuals, commonly known as hackers, are behind data breaches. These hackers employ various techniques, such as phishing, to trick individuals into revealing their personal or professional data. Consequently, any system can be manipulated using this information, leading to significant data breaches. Additionally, hackers use different forms of malware to invade systems, extract data, and cause substantial harm.

Physical Theft – The Direct Approach

While we may live in a highly digitalized world, physical theft still poses a significant risk. The theft of laptops, hard-drives, or any data storage medium can lead to major data breaches. These devices often contain vast amounts of sensitive data and can lead to a breach if not adequately protected.

Third-party Suppliers – The Indirect Culprits

Third-party suppliers often have access to an organization's data, making them an indirect but potent threat. A lack of stringent security measures with these suppliers can lead to data breaches, as seen with various retailers and financial institutes over the past few years.

Inadequate Security Infrastructure

As the digital world expands, proper security measures become vital to protect sensitive data. Unfortunately, inadequate security infrastructure stands as a significant cause of data breaches. A lack of elements, such as firewalls, data encryption, and proper password management measures, can leave organizations vulnerable to breaches.

The Power of Aging IT Structure

Aging IT infrastructure also contributes to data breaches. As the tide of technology consistently brings in new hardware and software improvements, outdated systems become more vulnerable. The updated security patches of these systems often lag behind, creating ideal opportunities for hackers.

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

Another cause of data breach is Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). These threats quietly infiltrate systems, sometimes remaining undetected for extended periods. They systematically steal data, which only gets discovered once substantial damage is already done.

In conclusion, the causes of data breaches are multi-faceted - stemming from human errors, inside threats, hacking, physical theft, third-party suppliers, inadequate security infrastructure, aging IT infrastructure, and Advanced Persistent Threats. Proper understanding of these causes can guide effective strategies and technologies to mitigate the risk of data breaches. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so should our approach to safeguard sensitive data. The comprehensive understanding and action towards these causes of data breach will form the core of robust cybersecurity measures in the future.