The first step in writing a dissertation on corporate data breaches is selecting a focused and research-worthy topic. Corporate data breaches are incidents where sensitive data—such as customer information, financial details, or intellectual property—is accessed without authorization. This topic is especially relevant today due to the rising number of cybersecurity threats affecting businesses globally. For example, the Equifax data breach in 2017, which exposed the personal data of over 147 million Americans, serves as a significant case to study the consequences of poor cybersecurity frameworks and delayed response systems.
Once the topic is set, the next step is to define clear research objectives and frame the questions your study aims to answer. Some possible objectives include identifying the causes of data breaches in large corporations, evaluating how companies respond to such incidents, or examining the long-term impact on consumer trust and financial performance. A research question could be: "What role does internal security policy play in preventing data breaches in multinational companies?" Using real cases like the Yahoo data breach of 2013–14 (affecting all 3 billion user accounts) can help contextualize the questions and make them more grounded in reality.
The literature review should cover prior studies, cybersecurity frameworks, theories of risk management, and data privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA. It is essential to evaluate past research on breach detection systems, human error in cybersecurity, and corporate responsibility. Citing real-life data breach examples, such as the Target breach in 2013 where hackers gained access via a third-party HVAC vendor, adds depth to the analysis and connects theoretical findings to practical scenarios.
Depending on the scope and aim, you can choose a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approach. A qualitative method might include interviews with cybersecurity professionals or IT managers. A quantitative approach could involve analyzing datasets related to breach frequency, company losses, or stock performance before and after a breach. For instance, studying the stock price behavior of Facebook after its 2019 data breach can provide insight into investor confidence and economic fallout.
After collecting data, analysis should be carried out using appropriate tools like SPSS, R, or Excel. In a qualitative study, thematic analysis could uncover patterns such as common vulnerabilities or response strategies. In a quantitative study, regression or correlation analysis can assess the relationship between breach severity and organizational impact. Discuss your findings in light of existing literature and highlight where your research supports or contradicts past conclusions. Referencing the Marriott International breach in 2018, which compromised 500 million records, may help in discussing regulatory implications and consumer trust issues.
Finally, summarize key findings and provide recommendations for companies to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Suggestions might include regular employee training, third-party vendor assessments, or investing in AI-based detection systems. Your dissertation should also discuss limitations and suggest areas for future research—perhaps focusing on the legal implications or the role of international cooperation in fighting cybercrime.