Your valuable and confidential information is at risk online. It may seem like common sense to avoid posting your banking details and medical records on questionable platforms, but unfortunately, hackers are skilled at locating and selling this data to the highest bidder. It’s not just individuals with advanced technical skills who are involved in these activities; there are sophisticated software programs available for purchase or monthly subscription that enable anyone to participate. With this in mind, you might be curious about how many times your personal data has been exposed. This website is the ideal tool for checking.
In the past, news of a data breach or hack was shocking and alarming. However, these incidents are now so frequent that you may not give them a second thought when receiving a notification. This complacency is a mistake. Kim Komando, an acclaimed expert in technology, provides valuable insights on how to determine the extent to which you have been impacted by a data breach.
In 2022, there were a staggering 1,802 reported data breaches, affecting over 422 million individuals. It’s important to note that this figure falls just short of the record high in 2021. Cybercriminals employ various tactics to obtain your personal information, including hacks, leaks, physical theft, human error, phishing attacks, ransomware, and more. This means that sensitive data, such as Social Security numbers, bank account and credit card details, health records, passwords, and device information, may be compromised.
According to legal requirements, companies and institutions must disclose any data breaches they experience. Therefore, if you have been affected, you can expect to receive some form of notification revealing what specific information was accessed (provided the information is available at the time).
If you tend to overlook data breach alerts, the following list may seem excessive. However, trust me when I say it’s crucial to take steps in safeguarding your data after an exposure. Failure to do so may result in a worsening situation. Begin by contacting your bank and credit card providers to report the breach and freeze or replace your cards. Additionally, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. You only need to notify one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion), as listed on the FTC’s website.
Vigilance is vital, so monitor your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. In some cases, it may take time for unauthorized transactions to manifest, so remain proactive. Change your account passwords on all platforms affected. While it may be inconvenient, doing so serves as your initial line of defense. Remember, once a password is compromised, it should not be reused for any other accounts.
For added protection, consider enlisting the help of an identity theft monitoring or protection service. In the aftermath of a significant breach, the affected company often offers these services free of charge. Take advantage of this opportunity, as these services alleviate some of the burdens associated with safeguarding your personal information.
Being smart and proactive can go a long way in protecting yourself. Strengthen your security measures by utilizing strong and unique passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It’s crucial to have different passwords for each of your accounts. Regularly review your credit report, which you can do for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look out for any suspicious loans, lines of credit, or other irregularities. Incorporate multi-factor authentication wherever possible, especially for financial and medical accounts. If available, enable this feature for all your accounts.
Stay up to date with software updates. Regularly installing updates provides the best defense against security vulnerabilities and flaws. It’s evident from the number of patches released in the tech industry this year alone that both security professionals and hackers are working diligently. Don’t hesitate to update your devices, including phones, tablets, computers, and smart speakers, whenever new updates become available.
To protect sensitive data, encryption is paramount. Leaving medical records, financial documents, and other sensitive information accessible on your desktop could expose you to substantial risk. Modern malware is sophisticated enough to seize this information if it infiltrates your computer. Encrypting your files renders the data unreadable to unauthorized individuals who lack the password to unlock it.
If you’re not comfortable handling your own encryption, I recommend opting for a trusted encrypted cloud storage solution. Personally, I endorse IDrive, a sponsor of my national radio show, as it offers secure cloud storage services.
Taking these measures will enhance the security of your sensitive data and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to cybercriminals. Don’t underestimate the importance of protecting yourself in an increasingly digital world. Stay informed, remain proactive, and equip yourself with the necessary tools to safeguard your information effectively.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
