In recent years, technological advancements have made data access easier than ever, but with this development, more information is susceptible to attacks.

Consumers may be extra careful regarding their personal and financial information, but sometimes incidents are out of their hands.

Customers of the popular U.K. ticketing service TicketWeb may have been surprised recently after receiving malicious emails as a result of an online security breach.

The Waledac botnet gained a reputation as one of the internet's leading sources of spam prior to its Microsoft-led takedown in early 2010. However, emerging reports suggest that a new variant of the botnet has surfaced with a renewed focus on stealing passwords.

Microsoft's Indian web store was recently the victim of an online security breach. Hackers from the Chinese group known as the Evil Shadow Team stole usernames and passwords of customers who made purchases through the site.

The hacker group known as Anonymous has managed to continuously make headlines with its attacks against all types of organizations, signifying the need for greater online security defenses.

Online security breaches can take many forms, and the popularity of video games appears to be the perfect platform for cybercriminals seeking ways to exploit unsuspecting users.

If online security fears were already at an all-time high, a recent Forbes report entitled Can Hackers Destroy The Internet? may have just added more fuel to the fire.

Companies that have experienced an online security breach are encouraged to focus on their customers and be truthful regarding the incident, according to a recent ZDNet report.

Anonymous reportedly gained access to the email inboxes of nearly 80 staffers working within the Syrian government.

Mobile devices, specifically smartphones and tablets, may offer employees greater flexibility and productivity, but they also are a serious security risk.

In the online world, new threats are created every[ ]day and cybercriminals are constantly evolving to target unsuspecting consumers and businesses.

Companies with many employees may run into serious trouble if their staff members are using the same passwords for their personal and business use.

To address the growing concerns associated with online security breaches, Entrust president and CEO Bill Conner recently addressed a Congressional communications and technology subcommittee to discuss emerging threats in this field.

Online security firm Symantec may be in the business of protecting consumer and enterprise data, but the company recently experienced a breach of its own at the hands of the hacking group known as Anonymous.

Security News Daily writer Sue Marquette Poremba recently suggested that greater effort should be made to protect passwords from being obtained through an online security breach.

The Star Tribune recently highlighted the importance of passwords and noted that some phrases are more vulnerable than others.

Online security breaches continue to plague all types of companies across many industries. According to a recent study conducted by an IT solutions provider, several cyber trends took place in 2012, including increased data attacks.

Companies of all sizes and government agencies continue to feel the wrath of hackers. The Washington Post recently reported that the U.S. Commerce Department suffered an online security breach that forced its employees to avoid using the internet for nine days.

A recent Reuters report indicated that VeriSign, which is responsible for ensuring people access more than half of the world's websites securely, was the victim of repeated online security attacks in 2010.

The FBI and Scotland Yard may have believed their conversations were private, but notorious hacker group Anonymous apparently had other plans.

PCWorld recently interviewed online security professional Alan Puzic regarding a new aggregation service available for people to determine if their information has been hacked.

Mashable contributing writer Dallas Lawrence recently highlighted several steps companies should take if they are the victims of an online security breach.

Cyberattacks are not restricted to any country in particular and can have a negative effect on consumers and businesses worldwide.

Companies have been told by the SEC o disclose information regarding online security breaches, but a recent Reuters report suggested many businesses are still lagging behind in this area.

Since people and companies use passwords to access sensitive material on a daily basis, protecting this information from internal and external threats is crucial.

By declaring February 1 "Change Your Password Day," organizers hope to bring light-hearted attention to the serious shortcomings of most users.

As companies around the world bear down to deal with quickly evolving online security threats, a new report from IDC predicts the market for data protection services will surpass $900 million by 2014.

Passwords are a central component of online security frameworks, but for too many users they have become the weak link in the chain.

The Federal Trade Commission recently became the latest victim of Anonymous' campaign against anti-piracy legislation after the agency's consumer online security portal was breached.