WHAT IS A DATA BREACH?
A data breach also known as a leak is a security incident in which information is accessed without authorization, the data is often sold and distributed among malicious actors before being leaked to the public causing serious repercussions. Data breaches can hurt businesses and consumers in a variety of ways. They are a costly expense and are often avoidable if the right prevention measuress are taken beforehand, we can all name companies that have been in the public spotlight for their data breaches, as we know they can permanently damage an organization's reputation.
WHY DO DATA BREACHES OCCUR??
It may seem like stories of massive data breaches pop up in the news frequently these days. But it shouldn’t be all that surprising.
As technology progresses, more and more of our information has been moving to the digital world. As a result, cyberattacks have become increasingly common and costly.
Globally, the average total cost to a company of a data breach is $3.86 million, according to a study by the Ponemon Institute. This means that at $148 on average per stolen record, online crime is a real threat to anyone on the internet.
According to Symantec, personally identifiable information — such as full names, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers — was the most common form of data lost to data breaches in 2016, with personal financial information close behind.
Corporations and businesses are extremely attractive targets to cybercriminals, simply due to the large amount of data that can be nabbed in one fell swoop.
HOW CAN I HELP PROTECT MY PERSONAL INFORMATION IN THE EVENT OF A DATA BREACH?
To help protect your identity, it’s important to take steps to help protect yourself and your personal information. These steps can include:
◯ Use strong, secure passwords.
Use a complex and unique password for each of your online accounts. Keeping track of all those passwords can be difficult, but there are products that can help make this task easier to manage.
◯ Monitor your bank and other financial accounts.
Check your accounts on a regular basis for unfamiliar activity and if the companies you use offer activity alerts via text or email, it may make sense for you to sign up for them.
◯ Check your credit report.
Do so regularly to see if a thief has attempted to open a new credit card or another account in your name. You’re entitled by law to a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies every 12 months.
◯ Take action as soon as possible.
If you see suspicious activity, contact the financial institution involved immediately. If your information was stolen in a data breach, let them know that, as well.
◯ Secure your phone.
If your phone doesn’t have a password, give it one. Although entering a password every time you use your phone is tedious, it provides a line of defense if your device is lost or stolen. Think about all the information a criminal could access with your unprotected phone.
◯ Use only secure URLs.
Reputable sites begin with https://. The “s” is key. This is especially important when entering credit card or other personal information.
◯ Wipe or destroy your hard drive.
If you are recycling your old computer, make sure that your hard drive is removed prior to disposal. The same goes for SD cards in your smartphones and tablets.
◯ Avoid oversharing on social media.
Never post anything pertaining to sensitive information, and adjust your settings to make your profiles private. While you’re at it, hold off sharing vacation pics on social media while you’re still on vacation. That tells everyone your house may be sitting empty, a perfect target for burglary.
◯ Use an identity theft protection or credit monitoring service.
The mess caused by a stolen identity could take months or even years to fix. Given the recent number of data breaches, it’s important to consider identity theft protection or a credit monitoring service. We have found that a lot of the mojor credit card providers provide this service for "free" to members.
WHAT ARE BUSINESSES DOING ABOUT DATA BREACHES?
Many buisnesses are tightening security measures and reassessing their procedures to better protect the consumer data they use and store.
Laws and regulations are in place that require companies to take specific steps in the event of a data breach or other security incident. Most states require companies to send data breach notifications to consumers when their personally identifiable information may have been compromised.
Still, you should never rely solely on others to keep your information secure. It’s always important to take preventative measures and keep an eye on your information.
Data breaches are likely here to stay, and the best defense against them is a good offense. Educate yourself and be diligent about monitoring your online life. There may be laws, policies, and procedures in place to help protect your information, but it still makes sense to stay engaged and alert even as you enjoy the convenience that a connected life delivers.