You may have seen the recent headlines about yet another massive data breach where millions of Social Security numbers have been leaked, putting your personal information at risk. However, it’s not just Social Security numbers that are at stake; names, addresses, and other sensitive details have also been exposed in the latest hack of National Public Data, a Florida-based credit and criminal background check company.
As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated, even systems that were once considered secure are vulnerable. And as these breaches become more common in the news, it’s easy to feel a mix of complacency and fatalism—after all, if everyone’s at risk, why bother?
But complacency could be your downfall. "Many small businesses accept the status quo that they might get attacked and prioritize profit over cybersecurity," says Kyle Aquino, former U.S. naval officer and CEO of NVIS AI. "They don’t realize that this places a glass ceiling on how large their business can grow, not to mention the irreparable damage to their reputation and finances when they are attacked. If they conduct business with larger enterprises, they also become an easy and ideal attack vector."
And it’s not just businesses that are at risk. Malicious actors can use your Social Security number (SSN) to steal your identity, drain your bank account, and destroy your credit. "People are often their own worst enemy in security," warns Dominic Vogel, president of Vogel Cyber Leadership. "It’s often their actions, like using weak passwords, that cause systems to fail."
So, what can you do to protect your data? Here’s how to adopt the habits of cybersecurity experts and secure your most sensitive information.
1. Lock Down Your Social Security Number
- What the Pros Do: Cybersecurity experts use advanced monitoring systems that detect any suspicious activity linked to their SSNs.
- What You Can Do: Lock your SSN via the Social Security Administration or E-Verify’s Self Lock. This prevents anyone from using your SSN to open new accounts, even if they have the number.
- Why It Matters: Your SSN is the master key to your financial life. If it’s stolen, it can lead to identity theft, fraudulent accounts, and wrecked credit. Locking your SSN is like freezing that universal key, making it useless to criminals.
2. Create Strong, Unique Passwords
- What the Pros Do: Experts use advanced password managers to generate complex, unique passwords for each account.
- What You Can Do: Create a robust, unique password for every online account. A strong password should be long, include a mix of characters and numbers, and avoid personal information. Using a reputable password manager like BitWarden or 1Password can simplify this process by creating and storing these hard-to-crack passwords for you.
- Why It Matters: Reusing weak passwords is like using the same key for every lock. If a hacker cracks one password, they gain access to all your accounts. Unique, complex passwords make it significantly harder for hackers to break in.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- What the Pros Do: Pros always enable MFA and often use physical security keys for an extra layer of protection.
- What You Can Do: Enable MFA on all your accounts. Whenever possible, use an authenticator app or a hardware key instead of relying on email or SMS codes.
- Why It Matters: MFA adds an extra layer of security, like a deadbolt on top of a regular lock. Even if a hacker gets your password, they still need a second factor—usually a random code from your cell phone—to access your account. Authenticator apps and hardware keys are more secure than SMS codes, which can be intercepted by hackers.
4. Regularly Monitor Your Accounts and Credit Score
- What the Pros Do: Cybersecurity experts use tools to detect suspicious activity on their accounts or credit reports, receiving instant alerts.
- What You Can Do:
- Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar charges.
- Review your credit reports annually from all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Set up alerts for transactions over certain amounts. - Why It Matters: Monitoring your accounts and credit is like keeping a vigilant eye on your financial house. The sooner you spot suspicious activity, the quicker you can act to shut it down, minimizing potential damage. Alerts and regular checks help you catch issues early.
5. Destroy Confidential Data
- What the Pros Do: Cybersecurity experts dispose of sensitive documents and data using top-notch shredders and secure erasure methods.
- What You Can Do: Shred any documents containing personal information before tossing them out. Use data-wiping software to securely erase old computers or phones before disposal.
- Why It Matters: Your trash and old devices can be treasure troves for identity thieves. Shredding documents and wiping data ensures that malicious actors can’t recover and exploit your discarded information.
6. Stay Informed and Prepared
- What the Pros Do: Experts leverage their networks and threat intelligence to stay updated on the latest threats, breaches, and security best practices.
- What You Can Do:
- Keep up with significant data breaches by following trusted news sources.
- Change your password immediately if a company you use is breached.
- Develop a plan of action in case your data is compromised. - Why It Matters: Staying informed about the latest cyber threats is like knowing the most common break-in methods in your neighborhood. When you’re aware of the risks and how to respond, you can adjust your defenses and react quickly if you’re affected. Having a plan in place can prevent panic and minimize damage in the event of a breach.
Conclusion
In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, the best defense is awareness and preparedness. "In today’s world, where cyber threats are dynamic, being informed is your best defense," says Vogel. "By understanding the digital world, its inherent risks, and how to handle them, you can take control of your own safety."
You may not have the tools and skills of a cybersecurity professional, but by adopting these practices, you can significantly enhance your security and protect yourself from the ever-present threats in the digital age.