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In today’s digital age, data breaches have become unfortunately common. With our increasing reliance on digital technology and the Internet, the amount of personal and sensitive data stored online has also grown, making organisations with a digital presence vulnerable to cyberattacks. In fact, it is more likely than not that any organisation with an online presence has been a victim of a cyberattack.
Data breaches occur in various sectors, including healthcare providers, 401(k) administrators, online retailers, and 529 plan administrators. These breaches involve unauthorised access to confidential information, compromising the personally identifiable information (PII) of customers. According to IBM, approximately 83% of data breaches are financially motivated, and there are over 30,000 websites attacked every day.
As individuals, it can be disheartening to receive frequent data breach notifications, leading many to simply shrug their shoulders. However, there are proactive and reactive actions you can take to mitigate the risk to yourself, your family, and your business.
How to Prevent a Data Breach
While some data breaches may be beyond our control, there are steps you can take to help prevent them:
Protect Login Information: Use strong, unique passwords that include random characters, letters, numbers, and symbols. If possible, enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Digital Paranoia Is Your Friend: Educate yourself about phishing attacks, spearphishing, and suspicious emails. Avoid downloading anything that you did not initiate, recognise, or source from a trusted partner.
Take Local Data Protection Measures: In addition to Internet security, implement measures at home to protect your data. Regularly back up important data to a secure location, whether it be cloud-based or on your own local media. Secure your Wi-fi network and limit access to it.
Update Software & Hardware: Regularly update all software and firmware, including devices connected to your network and the Internet. This includes routers, PCs, smart devices, and home theatre receivers. Keeping your software and hardware up-to-date helps protect against known vulnerabilities.
Family and Employee Education: Educate your family members and employees about cybersecurity threats. Ensure they understand the importance of following best practices and staying vigilant online.
How to Respond to a Data Breach
If you receive a notification about a data breach, it is important to respond promptly and take appropriate measures:
Determine the Nature of the Breach: Carefully read the data breach notification to understand what information was compromised, how the breach occurred, and the potential risks to your personal data. Different types of breaches may require different response actions.
Implement Prevention Measures: Even after a breach, many prevention measures still apply. Change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, review your accounts, and update your software and hardware as recommended.
Contact the Organisation: If you have questions or need clarification about the breach, contact the organisation that sent the notification. They may have additional information available and may offer identity theft protection, credit monitoring, or other services to affected individuals.
Check Your Credit Report: Request and review your credit reports from the major credit bureaus. Look for any unfamiliar accounts or activity that could indicate identity theft. You have the right to request one free copy each year from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Consider Additional Measures: Depending on the severity of the breach and the sensitivity of the compromised information, you may want to take additional precautions:
Fraud Alerts and/or Credit Freezes: Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports to prevent unauthorised access. You can do this by establishing an account with each of the respective agencies and requesting the service.
- Identity Theft Protection Services: If not offered as a result of the breach, consider enroling in an independent identity theft protection service. These services can offer additional layers of protection against identity theft.
Remember, data breaches can lead to identity theft, fraud, and targeted attacks. It is crucial to respond promptly and take precautions to safeguard your personal information. If you suspect that your personal information is being misused, report it to the appropriate authorities and take steps to mitigate potential damage.
For more information and resources, visit www.opsimathy.co.uk. This website provides guidance for small business owners to help them protect against data breaches.