A data leak is the intentional or unintentional release of private or confidential information of a computer or a data center to an untrusted environment. 
Data leaks can range from black hat hackers, or individuals who hack for some kind of personal gain, to careless disposal of used data storage devices, or employees choosing the wrong recipient when sending an email containing confidential data.
A total of 145869 domain leaks in Jordan were recorded in the years 2017 to 2019, alone.
We documented leaks of 7 important data fields in Jordan. The fields included Microfinance and High-industry companies, Oil and Gas, Government institutions, Telecommunication companies, Jordan Universities and Jordan Banks.
Figure 1 Data Leak Percentage of Fields in Jordan
Investigations and studies in the 7 fields showed the following results:
Microfinance
We studied a total of 9 small companies in Jordan and 7 of which had at least one recorded domain leak like Finca and Vitas Jordan companies. While Tamweelcom had a high of 15 domains leaks. Yielding a leak percentage of 78% in the studied companies.
High-industry
Of the top 15 high-industry companies we analyzed, the Arab Potash and Jordan Phosphate Mines companies had the highest verified domain leaks. The leak percentage is 87%.
Oil and Gas
Jordan has at least 13 Oil and Gas companies with which 77% percent had domain leakage. The National Electric Power and Jo Petrol recorded the highest leakage among the industry.
Government Institutes
Having the most sensitive information in the country, the Government had the lowest data leakage percentage of all fields which was 55%. With the Ministry of Finance giving the highest leakage.
Telecommunication
Telecommunication companies had a peak high of 92% percent leakage. Jordan Telecom Group Orange contributed to more than half of it. Causing it to be the most vulnerable field of all.
Universities
Data leakage seems to be a huge problem for the Isra University and the Jordan University of Science and Technology. Both universities have the highest percentage in the entire data field of universities having 90% percent of data leaks.
Banks
24 banks were included in the report with 17 of them having been exploited. Producing a leak percentage of 71%. Standard Chartered Bank had the topmost leakage.
Conclusions
After exploring and analyzing the previous information we have obtained the following:
- The Government has the lowest leak percentage.
- The Telecommunications companies alongside Jordan Telecom Group Orange has the highest leak percentage.
- Important measures should be taken to protect data and critical information of companies and people in Jordan.
Prevent Data Leakage
There are many behaviors that should be implemented to stop data leakage like:
- Identify critical data and store it properly.
- Utilize encryption tools and protocols.
- Lock down and secure networks.
- Use Endpoint security softwares.
References
- IBM XFORCE
- WeLeakInfo
- Pastine
- Dark web resource