In today’s ever-connected world, we frequently hear about hacks, ransomware attacks, and data breaches that leave many people receiving alerts about their compromised information.
For instance, Petro-Points members discovered that an unauthorized party had accessed their basic contact information. Similarly, in February, Indigo experienced a ransomware attack, impacting current and former employees’ data. These incidents can leave individuals feeling helpless, but cybersecurity experts advise that there are steps they can take to protect themselves and prepare for future breaches.
One essential practice is checking if your data has been breached, even if you haven’t received an alert. Contacting the company and credit reporting agencies is vital if your credit card information is involved in a breach. Additionally, free credit monitoring might be offered by the breached company, and it’s wise to request it for your children as well, as their personal information can be exploited.
To further enhance your security, changing passwords for affected accounts is essential. It’s crucial to avoid using the same password across multiple accounts, as cybercriminals often exploit this practice. Utilizing a secure password manager or writing cryptic hints for each password can be valuable strategies. Cybersecurity experts recommend basing passwords on something unique rather than using easily identifiable names or dates, such as your favourite book series.
Staying up-to-date with software patches and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible are additional measures to strengthen your defences. Although 2FA might be slightly inconvenient, it significantly enhances your security by requiring a six-digit code during login. Studies show that more than 50% of Americans and Canadians now use 2FA, highlighting its growing importance.
Lastly, for online transactions, using services like PayPal instead of inputting credit card information can safeguard your credit card number from being widely disseminated.
While these recommendations seem common sense, adhering to them can protect you from cyber threats. Cybercriminals often target easy prey, so being proactive about your cybersecurity can deter them from targeting you. Embracing these practices empowers individuals to take control of their digital security, ensuring they are more secure than the next potential target.
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