Why you should be concerned about Data Breaches

What is a data breach?

A data breach is when unauthorized access to private information occurs. We typically hear about it in the news when an online business gets hacked or compromised.

All this means is that someone broke into their computers and stole information or encrypted their files to extort money.

How does this impact You?

If you do business or have an account with any of these companies that get breached, your information is at risk.

Names, addresses, phone numbers, usernames, passwords are most common for any account you may have.

But what about your banks, retail, health providers, telecoms, schools? They will have more information about you like credit cards, social security numbers, medical records, bank accounts, etc.

Data breach Cost

For Businesses

The cost of a data breach for a business can be millions, even billions. In a recent report by Surfshark, they list out the 100 biggest data breaches for 2020-2021.

For You

There are a variety of ways you can be impacted by a breach. Some being monetary costs others being inconveniences.

• All of your money is taken from your bank accounts (wire transfers)
• Your medical records showing any illness or conditions are used against you (blackmail)
• Email accounts are taken over (password changed & you can’t get in)
• Stolen identity (using your social security number)

Home Network Breaches

Your home network can also be breached. News reports are not going to talk about it, but it does happen every day. There is less money to be gained by the criminals breaking into home networks, but what they can do is infect your computer with ransomware. This will lock you out of your files. And losing access to your files can be worse than losing money. Irreplaceable files like family pictures & videos could be gone forever.

How to Protect Yourself

Backup your Data

Having a copy of important files will put your concern at ease. It’s as simple as copying your files to a USB drive or to the cloud. Follow the 3-2-1 Backup Rule to be fully protected from any situation.

Secure your Network

Your home network is your private kingdom. Protecting it is an ongoing process. Using a layered approach to security will help protect you. Learn more on the steps to take to protect your network.

Use 2FA or MFA on Accounts

Two-factor or multi-factor authentication adds additional steps to verify you are the owner of an account. Enabling this will protect you if your password was to be leaked or guessed. Find out what 2FA is and why you should be using it.

Learn to identify Phishing

Phishing is a social engineering method used to trick you into giving out personal information. It comes in the form of emails, text messages, phone calls. Phishing examples can be viewed here.