Did you know that small hosting issues could actually put you at risk? When I first became aware of metadata leakage, I thought to myself, “It’s just some metadata, what’s the big deal?” After going through the experience, however, I found out that it really isn’t any less risky than having actual stolen data.
What Is Metadata Leakage?
Metadata is defined as information on your data which does not represent the information itself. But it rather provides an indication of who accessed the files, when, and from what location. Leaving little pieces of metadata behind is similar to leaving little clues behind, and giving someone the ability to figure out your secrets.What’s the Difference Between Data Exfiltration and Metadata Leakage?
Data exfiltration refers to the act of stealing files, while metadata leakage is quiter. However, it still has the potential to cause problems because:- Planned attacks are easier due to patterns indicating where to focus attention.
- Patterns associated with specific activity give clues as to which files are worth trying to steal.
- Any type of leakage (including a lack of data protection) could be considered a violation of compliance.
