Data breaches have become a regular occurrence, putting millions of individuals at risk of having their personal details exposed.
From email addresses and passwords to more sensitive information, breach incidents remind us just how vulnerable our data can be. While predicting when a breach will happen is impossible, taking steps to protect yourself is in easy reach. So, how do you know if your information has been compromised, and what can you do to mitigate potential risks?
Discovering if your data is exposed
One of the first things you can do is use tools designed to check if your information has been part of a breach. Platforms like Have I Been Pwned? offer a straightforward way to see if your email address has been caught up in any known data leaks. This kind of check is quick, easy, and gives you an instant snapshot of your exposure.
Newer, more advanced tools are also available. For example, DataBreach.com, created by Atlas Privacy, goes beyond email searches. The platform checks for breaches involving your full name, physical address, phone number, US Social Security number, IP address, or username. With this broader scope, you can better understand your digital vulnerability.
Atlas Privacy, known for working with high-profile clients like police forces and individual celebrities, built this tool from over 17.5 billion records sourced from stolen databases that circulate online, including those on cybercriminal forums. DataBreach.com was designed as a public service to ensure privacy by conducting local, hashed data comparisons meaning sensitive user input is kept locally to the user.
What to do after a breach
If you discover your data has been exposed, don’t panic! The first step is to change your passwords. It sounds simple, but it’s crucial. Use unique passwords for each account, mixing upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters for added security.
Managing strong passwords can feel daunting, so consider using a password manager. This tool securely stores and autofills your passwords, making it easier to keep them unique and complex. Popular options include LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. Even if someone gets hold of your password, MFA adds another layer of protection—such as a code sent to your phone—making unauthorised access much harder.
Staying proactive
Prevention is key. Always keep your software updated to benefit from the latest security patches. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi, or use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data if in doubt.
Be mindful about what you share online. The less personal information you put out there, the less cybercriminals can exploit. Services like Atlas Privacy can help by removing your data from brokers and people search sites, offering an extra layer of protection.
Platforms like DataBreach.com and HaveIbeenPwned.com help you stay informed with comprehensive and regular breach checks, some covering details like individual phone numbers. By taking swift action and staying vigilant, you can minimise your exposure and keep your digital life a great deal more secure.
Online safety requires vigilance and smart digital habits. With the right precautions, you can navigate the internet with confidence.
(Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya)
See also: OpenAI cures structured data headache for developers
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Tags: cybersecurity, data, data safety