Your sensitive data is at risk when it’s online. While you may not post your banking details and medical records everywhere, hackers still manage to find and sell them to the highest bidder. This isn’t just the work of tech geniuses; criminals have access to sophisticated software that they can purchase or subscribe to. Curious about how many times your information has been exposed? This website is the best place to check, so make sure to review all of your email addresses.
In the past, news of a breach or hack was shocking and unsettling. However, these incidents occur so frequently now that you may not even bat an eye when you receive a notification. But this attitude is a mistake.
WAIT, WHAT? 7 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOUR COMPUTER MOUSE CAN DO Criminals are lurking on all corners of the internet – often looking for victims’ sensitive data. (CyberGuy.com) Join the over 500,000 individuals who receive free daily tech news straight to their inboxes.
How often do these security breaches happen? Much more frequently than you might think. In 2022 alone, there were 1,802 reported data breaches, impacting over 422 million people. This number is just shy of the record high in 2021.
Cybercriminals gain access to your data through a variety of means, including hacks, leaks, physical theft, human error, phishing attacks, ransomware, and more. This data includes personal information like Social Security numbers, banking details, credit card information, health records, passwords, device information, and much more.
Companies and institutions are legally obligated to disclose data breaches, so if you’ve been affected, you should receive some form of communication informing you about the accessed information (if that information is available at the time).
Now, what should you do if your data has been exposed? Even if you tend to ignore data breach alerts, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your data once you’ve been exposed. Failure to do so could lead to further complications.
IS IT WORTH IT? MUST-HAVE APPS VS. THE MONEY DRAINSCall your bank and credit card providers. Freeze and replace all your cards.Put a fraud alert on your credit file. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. You can find the legitimate websites and phone numbers on the FTC’s website.Monitor your bank and credit card statements carefully and report any suspicious activity. It may take some time for unusual activity to appear, so it’s important to remain vigilant.Change your account passwords. Though it may be cumbersome, this is your first line of defense. Remember that once a password is compromised, it should not be reused for other accounts.Consider subscribing to an identity theft monitoring or protection service. In the event of a significant breach, the affected company often offers these services for free. Take advantage of them, as they can do a lot of the legwork for you.
TECH SMARTS: WINDOWS AND MAC TRICKS YOU’LL USE ALL THE TIME Kim Komando shares her best tips for keeping your sensitive information safe on the internet. (iStock) It’s always better to be proactive than reactive. In addition to being cautious about your reactions, taking some proactive measures can go a long way.
Use strong and unique passwords: Your passwords should include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Make sure each password is different for every account you have.Regularly check your credit report: AnnualCreditReport.com allows you to access your credit report for free once a year. Look for any suspicious loans, credit lines, or any other irregularities.Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible: Adding an extra step to the login process might be annoying, but it’s worth it. Make it mandatory for all your financial and medical accounts, and if possible, enable it for all your accounts.Keeping your software up to date: Regular updates are crucial for protecting your devices against vulnerabilities and flaws. Security professionals and hackers are equally active in their search for exploits. Don’t wait to update your phone, computer, tablet, smart speaker, or any other devices you use.Encrypt sensitive data: Storing medical records, financial documents, or other sensitive information on your desktop without encryption is a risky move. Today’s malware is sophisticated enough to steal this data if it infiltrates your computer. Encryption ensures that data is unreadable to anyone without the password.Cloud storage is your friend: If you’re not comfortable with encrypting your own data, consider using a trusted encrypted cloud storage solution. IDrive, one of the sponsors of my national radio show, is an excellent option.
Keep up with your tech knowledge! My popular podcast, “Kim Komando Today,” is a 30-minute episode filled with tech news, tips, and callers from all over the country. You can find it on various podcast platforms. Check out “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast player.
Become a tech pro, even if you’re not already one! Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen to her on over 425 radio stations or access her podcast. Join the 400,000+ individuals who receive her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.
Copyright 2023, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.
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.
