14 Sep 2018

What You Need to Know About Data Breaches

Almost every organization today is at risk of a data breach. If the organization is handling any kind of sensitive customer information, have intellectual property, or use computers, then the organization is potentially a target for cyber criminals. So, let’s dive deep-in and see what you need to know about data breaches, to protect your organization and customers.

Many small business owners mistakenly believe they are too small to attract the attention of cyber crooks, but according to industry experts, an increasing number of data breaches are occurring at companies with fewer than 100 employees. The size of the company will not protect you from determined hackers and criminals.

DATA BREACH AND HOW AND WHY DO THEY HAPPEN

A data breach is an incident where private data is accessed or stolen by an unauthorized individual. Data can be stolen by a third party, such as a hacker, or by an internal player.

Targeted attacks from cybercriminals are generally carried out in four ways: exploiting system vulnerabilities such as, out of date software, people using weak passwords such as their pet’s name and mobile numbers, SQL injections and targeted malware attacks. When systems do not have the latest software updates it can create a hole that an attacker can use to sneak malware onto the computer that can steal data. Weak and insecure user passwords can make it easy for an attacker to crack, mainly if the passwords contain whole words or phrases. SQL injections allow for drive-by downloads that will inject spyware or malware onto the computer without the user doing anything to contact the malware.

A DATA BREACH CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE ANYTIME TO ANYONE, HOW TO PREVENT THIS?

• Monitor the bank and financial accounts on a regular basis for suspicious activity. If the organizations you do business offers activity alerts through text or email, sign up for them.

• Close out of all online banking accounts on your phone whenever you aren’t using them, and give your phone a password if it doesn’t have one. Entering a password every time you use your phone is tedious, but it also provides a solid line of defense if your device is stolen.

• Take action as soon as possible if you see any suspicious activity. Contact the bank and notify them of the suspicious transaction and inform them that your information was stolen in a data breach.

• Use a removable flash drive to store financial and other delicate information.

• Avoid oversharing on social media. Never post anything relating to sensitive info, make your profiles private, etc.

• Get identity protection services: While convenient, the digital world we live in can be unpredictable. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to safeguard your digital identity. Utilizing an identity protection service not only helps you keep your identity safe, but also assists you if you find your personal information has been compromised.

CONCLUSION

Data breaches are here to stay. Educate yourself and stay diligent about monitoring your online life expectancy. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect you, but it is up to the user to report any suspicious activity and fight back against cybercrime.

9 Mar 2018

Data Breaches – What you need to know

It might look like stories of huge data breaches are popping up in the newsflash frequently these days. Unfortunately, this is not shocking. As technology advances, all of our information moves to the digital world, and, as a result, cyber-attacks are becoming the new wave of crime. Companies and small industries are exceptionally attractive targets to cybercriminals, simply due to the large payday of data that can be stolen in one swoop. So, explore this article and know more about data breaches.

WHAT IS A DATA BREACH AND HOW AND WHY DO THEY HAPPEN?

The main reason that cybercriminals are thieving personal information is for use in identity theft. Last year more companies chosen not to reveal the full extent of their data breaches.

The targeted attacks from cybercriminals are generally carried out in four different ways: misusing system vulnerabilities such as out of date software, people using weak passwords such as their pet’s name without numbers and symbols, SQL injections, and targeted malware attacks. When systems do not have the latest software updates it can create a hole that an attacker can use to snitch malware onto the computer that can steal data. Weak and unsecure user passwords can make it easy for an attacker to crash, particularly if the passwords contain complete words or phrases. SQL injections allows for drive-by downloads that will inoculate spyware or malware onto the computer without the user doing anything to contract the malware. The targeted malware attacks happen when attackers use junk and spear phishing procedures to try and trick the user into revealing user credentials, downloading malware attachments or directing users to susceptible websites.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION?

Being active about your accounts is the finest security measure that you can take to do your part to prevent data breaches.

Make sure that you use tough, secure passwords for each account you access, and be sure not to use the same password across various sites. Keeping track of various passwords can seem like an impossible feat.

To keep your personal identity safe and secure, it is always important to be alert on your
information.

Monitor your bank and financial accounts on a regular basis for suspicious activity. If the companies you do business with offer activity alerts via text or email, sign up for them.

Take action as soon as possible if you do see suspicious activity. Contact the bank or institution the suspicious activity originated from. Notify them of the suspicious transaction and inform them that your information was stolen in a data breach.

• Close all online banking applications on your phone whenever you are not using them, and give your phone a password if you do not have one. Having to enter a password every time you use your phone is dreary, but it also provides a solid line of defence if your device is stolen.
• Use secure URLs that begin with https:// on well-known sites when entering credit card or debit card information. You may also request to use disposable credit cards when doing online purchases.
• Implement high-quality security software that includes malware and virus protection. Keep it updated.
• Use a removable flash drive to store financial and other sensitive information.
  Avoid oversharing on social media. Never post anything relating to sensitive information, making your profiles private, etc.

Conclusion

Data breaches are here to stay, and the best defence against them is a good offense. Edify yourself and stay conscientious about monitoring your online life. Luckily, there are laws in place to safeguard you, but it is up to you to report any suspicious activity and fight back against cybercrime or not.