Security breaches in apps: how to reduce risks with ISO 27001
Every month, authorities issue significant fines for security breaches to organizations that handle data protection superficially. Many of these incidents are not caused by complex cyberattacks, but by simple mistakes—such as launching an untested application, poorly configured access controls, or an accidentally exposed database.
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Security breaches aren’t always caused by hackers — sometimes, it’s just carelessness.
Personal data collected through mobile apps, online forms, or internal platforms can quickly become vulnerable if basic technical safeguards are missing — such as encryption, authentication, auditing, and clear access policies. The result? Involuntary exposure of sensitive information, along with financial loss and long-term damage to trust.
A recent incident illustrates this risk. A mobile app was launched without proper testing, allowing unauthorized access to an entire database containing highly sensitive information.
The exposed data includes names, national ID numbers, addresses, phone numbers, emails, gender, citizenship, education, career history, political affiliation, and other personal details. In essence, a comprehensive list of affected individuals became accessible to anyone who knew where to look. The breach wasn’t the result of a sophisticated attack, but a simple configuration error.
What did the authority find?
- Lack of basic technical measures, such as access control and application testing
- A superficial approach to security risks
- Processing personal data without a legal basis and beyond what was necessary for the stated purpose
- Excessive collection of personal information through platforms
The Romanian Data Protection Authority (ANSPDCP) concluded that the organization had violated multiple articles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including Articles 5, 6, 25, and 32.
Data protection isn’t about copy-pasting GDPR — it’s about building systems that actually work.
Whether we like it or not, the digital world doesn’t forgive negligence. What happened in the case above isn’t an isolated incident — it’s a growing reality. Personal data protection is a direct indicator of how seriously an organization takes its responsibilities, whether it’s a political party, an IT company, a hospital, an NGO, or an online store.
What’s left after a security breach?
- Deactivated platforms
- Lost customers
- A damaged reputation
- And indirect costs that, more often than not, can’t be fixed by simply paying a fine.
What was missing in this case?
- A properly implemented information security management system, in line with ISO/IEC 27001
- Regular risk assessments and testing
- Limiting data processing strictly to what was necessary under GDPR
- Concrete “privacy by design” measures and proper access control.
What does “privacy by design” involve, and how does it reduce the risk of security breaches in applications?
One of the key points raised by the authority was the lack of implementation of the “privacy by design” principle — a fundamental concept in data protection.
What does this mean?
- Data must be protected from the design phase of any system, application, or process;
- Security is not something to be “added” after the platform or application is launched, but planned from the very beginning;
- Risks are analyzed, data collection is limited, and access controls are enforced;
- Every technical or organizational decision takes individual privacy into account.
“Privacy by design” means building the system so that data is protected by default, not just promised in a privacy policy.
Why ISO/IEC 27001 is becoming mandatory for every serious organization
The ISO/IEC 27001 standard is essentially a framework that helps you do things right: to identify risks, protect data, and maintain constant control over how information flows within your company.
Advantages of implementing the ISO 27001 standard:
- Defines clear security policies and responsibilities;
- Requires you to regularly test the effectiveness of protection systems;
- Provides a concrete tool for incident response;
Demonstrates to partners and clients that you take their data seriously.
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What can we learn from this?
This case is a wake-up call: without IT risk management and proper information security measures, even a simple app can become vulnerable. And the damage isn’t just financial — it’s about reputation, trust, and credibility.
In an increasingly digital ecosystem, an organization’s reputation is built — or broken — based on how it handles personal data. Having a strong brand or a good idea is no longer enough. If people feel they can’t trust the way you protect their information, they’ll leave. And once trust is lost, it’s hard — and costly — to regain.
ISO 27001 certification reassures clients, colleagues, and partners that you take things seriously, that you care, and that you’re not waiting for a breach to happen before taking action.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 27001?
It’s an international standard that sets out the requirements for an information security management system. It helps you control, protect, and manage sensitive data within your organization.
Is ISO 27001 mandatory for GDPR compliance?
It’s not legally mandatory, but it’s a strong indication of compliance. Implementing it can help prevent fines and security breaches.
What does “privacy by design” mean?
It’s the principle that data protection must be built into any application, process, or system from the design stage — not added later.
Who should be concerned about ISO 27001?
Any organization that handles personal data: IT companies, hospitals, NGOs, eCommerce businesses, public institutions, consultants, or political organizations.
