A recent surge in cyber-attacks has left individuals vulnerable to identity theft and financial scams. Learn how to protect your digital footprint following a cyber incident.
Protecting Your Data After a Cyber-Attack: A Guide to Staying Safe
Cyber-attacks have become increasingly common, with recent incidents affecting major retailers like Marks & Spencer and the Co-op. These attacks often result in the theft of sensitive personal data, leaving individuals vulnerable to identity theft and financial scams. If you’re worried that your information may have fallen into the wrong hands, here are some essential tips for protecting yourself.
A cyber-attack is a deliberate attempt to access, modify, or destroy 'computer systems and data.'
These attacks can be launched by individuals, groups, or nations.
According to the FBI, in 2020, there were over 1,000 reported cases of 'cybercrime' in the United States alone.
Cyber-attacks can have severe consequences, including financial losses, data breaches, and compromised national security.
Common types of cyber-attacks include 'phishing,' ransomware, and malware.
To mitigate these risks, individuals and organizations must implement robust cybersecurity measures.
Securing Your Accounts
To protect your data, it’s crucial to maintain strong passwords for all accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each website or app. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for critical online services like email and banking, which requires you to provide a code sent to your phone or other trusted device.
Avoiding Phishing Scams
Phishing emails and messages are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or social media posts that ask you to click on links or download attachments. Legitimate organizations will never ask for personal information via email or text message. If in doubt, contact the organization directly using their official contact details.
Phishing scams involve tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
These scams often come in the form of emails, messages, or phone calls that appear to be from a legitimate source.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), phishing attacks resulted in over $3 billion in losses in 2020.
To protect against phishing, it's essential to verify the authenticity of messages and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Users should also keep their software up-to-date and use strong, unique passwords for each account.
Monitoring Your Credit Record
If your data has been compromised, keep a close eye on your credit record for any suspicious activity. Regularly check your credit report and score, which you can access free of charge through services like Credit Karma or ClearScore. If you’re turned down for credit despite having a good credit history, or if you stop receiving statements from your bank without explanation, it may be a sign that someone is using your identity.
Protecting Your Device
To prevent cyber-attacks from compromising your device, ensure your operating system and software are up to date. Only use official app stores and software update services to avoid installing malicious apps or software.
Device security refers to the measures taken to safeguard electronic devices from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
This includes protecting hardware and software components, as well as data stored on devices.
Common device security threats include malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks.
To mitigate these risks, users can implement security protocols such as encryption, firewalls, and antivirus software.
Regular software updates and backups are also essential for maintaining device security.
- theguardian.com | How to protect your data after a cyber attack
