What is Data Breach? How to check whether your Personal data is exposed or not & Solution

In the last few years, attacks on websites have increased by 300%. To break into a site and steal data, cybercriminals need to either have high-level access or gain malicious intent with the administrator of the site.

There are several different methods used by many hackers around the world to breach web development systems.

• One method is when an attacker uses phishing e-mails to trick employees into giving away their password credentials while logging into their accounts.
• Cyber-criminals can use stolen information from data breaches to target you with phishing emails and other scams.

In general, data breaches happen due to weaknesses in:

• Technology
• User behavior

Now Understand, what is a data breach.

(According to f-secure.com)

A data breach occurs when a hacker gains access to the data­base of a service or company which contains users’ private information. This information can range from user­names and pass­words to social security numbers, addresses, and even payment details. These lists are then usually sold online to criminal groups who seek to use this information for profit

(According to haveibeenpwned.com)

A data breach occurs when cybercriminals hack into an organization’s databases and steal sensitive information. The data which is exposed to the public can include passwords, account numbers, correspondence, names, home addresses, Social Security numbers, and more.

Information stolen in a data breach could include:

• Email addresses
• Birthdays and Driver’s license numbers
• Phone numbers and home addresses
• Credit and debit card numbers or bank account details
• Social security numbers/ Aadhaar Number
• Purchase history and account activity
• Contact information
• more…

How to check whether your data is exposed or not

These websites help you to check your work and personal email accounts to see if those accounts have been involved in a breach.

1. https://haveibeenpwned.com/
2. https://www.f-secure.com/en/home/free-tools/identity-theft-checker
3. https://monitor.firefox.com/

How to prevent being a Data Breach victim (Basic tips/steps) — Solution

• Use Email Aliases.
• Do not open SPAM mails or e-mails sent from unknown senders. Do not click on any link sent on such mails.
• Use VPN that helps to protect your IP (I Recommend Proton VPN) — No sponsor
• Set secure Password
• set up two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Use genuine Antivirus (I Recommend Quick-Heal Antivirus) — No sponsor
• Don’t store your passwords on your device (phone/tablet. etc). Anyone getting access (physical or remote) to your device will easily get to know your passwords.
• Use Good Password Manager (I Recommend Nord Pass) — No sponsor
• Use encryption software to encrypt data Before uploading it into your cloud storage — (I Recommend Encrypto) — No sponsor
• Always have a lock screen on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. protected by a PIN or password. Do not keep your device open and unattended even for a minute, especially in public places and your workplace.

These are just basic Tips/steps that can help you to prevent a victim of Data Breach.

If you’re a victim of any type of cybercrime, report it to local authorities.

File a police report and a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report.

If you are from INDIA, Go to the nearest police station or http://www.cybercelldelhi.in/, https://gujaratcybercrime.org/

Thank you for Reading

If you have any questions, thoughts, or comments, please feel free to comment below.