How anonymized data could have neutralized Citrix data breaches – and why the medical world remains a popular target
The recent Citrix data breaches – which affected the Public Prosecution Service, population registries, and various medical institutions – demonstrate once again that sensitive personal data should never be unnecessarily exposed. After all, names, addresses, citizen service numbers (BSNs), and medical records are a goldmine for cybercriminals. And because this type of information often ends up not only in production systems but also in test environments, the potential for leaks becomes significantly higher.
What makes these incidents particularly painful, however, is that much of the exposed data should never have existed in that form outside the secure production environment in the first place. In other words, the risk was largely preventable. If structured data had been automatically anonymized or pseudonymized, and unstructured data in documents had been masked, then the biggest impact would likely have been avoided altogether. As a result, the stolen data would have been far less useful to attackers.
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The disadvantages of testing with original personal data
Many organizations—especially in the medical field—still test software and processes using real personal data. Although this may seem convenient, it introduces major risks:
• High impact in the event of a data breach – Using real data in non-production environments is often difficult to justify. Consequently, organizations may face compliance issues during audits.
• GDPR Violation – Using real data in non-production environments is often unjustifiable.
• Data proliferation – Copies of production data often end up in multiple locations, increasing the scope of security protection.
• Human error – The more people have access to sensitive data, the greater the chance of accidental leakage. In addition, the likelihood of mistakes increases with every extra system, export, or shared folder.
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The benefits of DataFactory and FileFactory
EntrD’s solutions make protecting personal data an automated process while still maintaining the quality of testing and business processes. More importantly, they reduce risk without slowing teams down.
DataFactory – For structured data (databases, CRM, ERP)
• Automatic anonymization or pseudonymization – Personal data is immediately made unrecognizable for testing purposes. As a result, test environments no longer contain real personal data.
• Realistic test data – The data retains logic and coherence, so tests remain reliable and meaningful.
• Instantly GDPR-proof – Legal risks are reduced during audits or data leaks. In other words, you can test safely and demonstrate compliance more easily.
FileFactory – For unstructured data (documents, emails, images)
• Smart masking of sensitive information – Names, addresses, medical data, and citizen service numbers are automatically recognized and shielded. This means sensitive details are removed from both content and context.
• Works at scale – Complete document archives can be processed securely without manual work. Therefore, organizations can handle both backlog and ongoing document flows.
• Seamlessly into existing processes – Integration with DMS, cloud storage, and collaboration platforms ensures minimal disruption. As a result, organizations don’t need to redesign their entire workflow.d collaboration platforms.
With this approach, the data’s value to hackers is negated. A stolen file without any personally identifiable information is worthless on the black market.
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Why hackers love to attack the medical world
The medical sector is one of the most sought-after targets for cybercriminals worldwide. The reasons are alarming but logical:
Medical data is extremely valuable
Medical records contain not only name and address details, but also citizen service numbers (BSN), insurance information, diagnoses, and treatment plans. This information can be sold or used for fraud.
Slow patch and update processes
Hospitals and healthcare institutions often work with complex, outdated systems where updates are difficult to implement.
High pressure on continuity
Cybercriminals know that healthcare institutions are often willing to pay to get systems operational again quickly.
Human factor
Healthcare workers often focus more on patient care than on digital hygiene, which makes phishing and password leaks easier.
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A healthier digital world starts with handling personal data safely
Just as hospitals implement hygiene measures to keep viruses out, organizations should also practice digital hygiene. Consistently anonymizing and masking personal data is a crucial step in this regard.
With DataFactory and FileFactory, the medical world—and other sectors as well—can drastically reduce the impact of data breaches. Not by mopping up data breaches more vigorously, but by turning off the tap before the water runs.
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💡 The Citrix data breaches would have had significantly less impact if only anonymized or masked personal data had been present in test environments and shared documents. EntrD’s solutions drastically reduce the risk of digital infections – and the hacker primarily gains access to worthless data.