What is a privacy breach?
A privacy breach is when personal information is unauthorisedly accessed, used, disclosed, intercepted, destroyed, or modified. This can cause harm to individuals such as identity theft or financial losses. It can also affect organizations by causing damage to their reputations and eroding customer confidence.
What privacy risks are there?
Individuals today are faced with many privacy breach risks concerns in this digital age. Common privacy-related risks include the following:
Data breaches are the unauthorized access to or theft from personal information of companies or organisations.
Phishing scams. These fraudulent emails or messages may appear to have come from a trusted source. They trick people into divulging sensitive information or their login credentials.
Privacy via social media: Sharing personal data on social media platforms. This information can be accessed, or used for malicious purposes.
Location tracking: A device that tracks an individual's location. This can reveal sensitive data and be used to nefarious ends.
Unsecured WiFi networks: Connecting through unsecure WiFi networks could expose your personal information to interception.
Malicious Software: Infected software can be downloaded from untrusted sites or installed via software.
These privacy issues are very important. You should be aware of the risks and take steps such as strong passwords, being cautious about phishing attempts, and being conscious of what information you share online.
How data breaches can occur
Data breaches can be caused by many factors, including:
Hacking: Attackers have many options to gain unauthorised access.
Insider threats
Devices stolen or lost: It is possible for data breaches to occur when devices such as smartphones, laptops, or any other device containing sensitive data are lost or stolen.
Human error: Data breaches are caused by mistakes made by individuals, such as accidentally sending sensitive information the wrong way or leaving it in an unsecured area.
Unsecured databases. Data breaches can occur when sensitive databases are not properly secured.
Social engineering. Data breaches can be caused by attackers using social engineering tactics (e.g. phishing scams and pretexting) to trick individuals into divulging sensitive data.
Organizations need to take security precautions to avoid data breaches. Individuals can take steps that will protect their personal information. This includes using strong passwords as well as being cautious of phishing attempts.
9 tips to help you protect yourself after a breach of your privacy
Here are 9 steps that you can take if your personal information is compromised due to a privacy breach.
Change passwords Use strong, unique passwords to each account.
Monitor your accounts. You must regularly monitor your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorised transactions.
Make a fraud alert. Contact one of the three major credit agencies (Experian Equifax and TransUnion) to make a fraud alert. This will make it difficult for someone opening new accounts under your name.
Consider a credit lock: A credit lock makes it more difficult for someone else to open new accounts under you name. It blocks access to your credit report.
Phishing attempts are to be avoided: Unsolicited messages or emails asking for personal data should be avoided.
Enable two-factor authentication when possible to increase your security.
Monitor your Social Security #: Make sure you check if your Social Security# has been used in order to apply for credit, or other services.
Contact companies. If privacy breaches were caused by a particular company or organization contact them to determine if any services or support are available to the affected individuals.
Be informed. Stay up to date on the most current privacy risks and how you can protect your identity. Sign up for privacy-related emails and read online privacy guides.
