Receiving a data breach notification can be unsettling, and you’re certainly not alone in this experience. A recent survey by US News in 2024 revealed that nearly 44% of participants reported multiple notifications about breaches affecting their personal data. This growing concern highlights the urgency of understanding how to manage and protect your personal information online.
Typically, when data breaches occur, the stolen information finds its way to the dark web, where it becomes a valuable commodity for hackers, scammers, and other malicious individuals. But breaches aren’t the only way your private data can fall into the wrong hands. Clicking on a phishing link, taking quizzes on social media, or falling victim to malware can all lead to exposure, and your personal data might be traded or sold on underground forums.
To shed more light on this issue, I spoke with Dr. Darren Williams, the founder and CEO of BlackFog, a company that specializes in data privacy and defending against ransomware. Dr. Williams emphasized that despite your data being compromised, there are proactive steps you can take to safeguard your remaining information. By adjusting your online habits and utilizing the right security tools, you can fortify your digital presence.
1. Understand How Your Data Is Used
Dr. Williams stressed the importance of understanding how cybercriminals exploit stolen information. His extensive research has revealed the tactics used for account takeovers, identity theft, and various scams. With advancements in technology, particularly AI, cybercriminals now have enhanced capabilities that make their operations more efficient.
“Two years ago, it was a ‘spray and pray’ method. They targeted anyone they could,” Dr. Williams noted. “Now, they bundle stolen data to engage in refined social engineering.”
So how does this work? An AI chatbot can analyze data from breaches and create detailed profiles known as “fullz.” These comprehensive profiles include sensitive data such as bank details, medical records, names, addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers. Criminals utilize these dossiers to impersonate individuals, often deceiving victims in scams involving emotional manipulation or financial baiting. Interestingly, Dr. Williams pointed out that tailored scams are infrequent, as many criminals prefer the efficiency of targeting larger audiences rather than individual victims.
Understanding how your data can be exploited is the first step toward fortifying your defenses against potential threats. Tools for dark web scanning, often included with personal data removal services or premium password managers, can help you see if your information is already compromised by checking for your email addresses and personal identifiers in dark web markets.
It’s essential to note, however, that once data appears on the dark web, removal is challenging. Even if a site hosting your information is taken down, there’s a risk that your data may resurface elsewhere.
2. Use a Data Removal Service
To bolster your online security, consider using a data removal service. Dr. Williams likens this to running away from a bear: “I only have to outrun you, not the bear.” By minimizing your personal data footprint online, you make it less appealing for cybercriminals to target you.
Dr. Williams advises sharing as little information as possible online. This goes beyond posting personal anecdotes on social media; it encompasses all kinds of data. Once your information leaves your device, it’s often stored in databases before it is sold to data brokers. Unfortunately, anyone can purchase this information.
Even industry experts struggle to remove themselves from these data aggregation sites, which is why employing a personal data removal service can be a beneficial investment. While DIY clean-up is an option, it’s often a time-consuming task due to the sheer number of data broker websites.
Top Personal Data Removal Services
3. Protect Your Devices With Strong Security Software and Practices
While many criminals use dark web data to compromise online accounts, some aim to gain access to your devices directly. This makes it crucial to safeguard your computers, smartphones, and any connected devices, such as smart home gadgets.
Dr. Williams has observed that numerous individuals compromise their security for convenience, inadvertently exposing themselves to threats. Consider these essential cyber hygiene practices:
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security, requiring both a password and a code sent to your device.
- Use a password manager: Create and store complex, unique passwords for your accounts.
- Install antivirus software: Ensure it is updated and operates continuously in the background.
- Use a VPN: Always activate this when connecting to public Wi-Fi to protect your data.
- Avoid opening unknown links: Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages.
- Regularly update your devices: Keep all systems up to date to avoid vulnerabilities.
- Consider identity theft protection: Software like Norton 360 with LifeLock can enhance your security by bundling various protective tools.
About Kim Key
Senior Security Analyst. Kim analyzes privacy tools, reports on online scams, and guides individuals on navigating a safer online environment.
