Protecting Your Digital World with Strong Cybersecurity

Security protection

In today’s connected world, every online activity and internet-connected device opens the door to potential cyber threats.

As our reliance on technology grows, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard our information, devices, and networks.

By staying alert and up-to-date with the latest security measures, you can significantly reduce your cyberattack exposure and enjoy greater peace of mind online.

Cybersecurity Statistics

Dark Web Data Exposure

In early 2024, National Public Data (NPD), a prominent online background check and fraud prevention service, experienced a significant data breach that exposed approximately 2.9 billion records containing highly sensitive personal information.

(Click here for more details)

Details of the Breach

Scope: The breach affected up to 170 million individuals across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, compromising data such as Social Security numbers, names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Discovery: The exposed data was discovered on the dark web around April 8, 2024, but many victims remain unaware due to NPD’s lack of notification.

Legal Repercussions: A class-action lawsuit alleges that hackers accessed over 2.7 billion records, including unencrypted Social Security numbers, posing significant risks for identity theft and financial crimes.

Company’s Response: On October 2, 2024, NPD filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing the fallout from the cyberattack and subsequent legal claims from dozens of states.

Implications

This incident is considered one of the largest data breaches in history, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and prompt breach notifications to affected individuals.

For more detailed information, refer to the Wikipedia article on the 2024 National Public Data breach: NPD Breach (Wikipedia)

Major Data Breach Exposes Billions of Records:

Lawsuit Alleges Hackers May Have Stolen More Than 2.7 Billion Records, Including Social Security Numbers

Password Theft Trends

Credential-based attacks are rising, where stolen or forged credentials are used to gain unauthorized access.

Growing Threats from Cybercriminals

Cybercriminals employ advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to automate and enhance attacks.

If you think your devices, email, social media, or online accounts may have been compromised, ask yourself the following questions.

Device Compromise (Windows, Mac, Mobile)

Unusual Performance:

  • Is your device running slower than usual, crashing, or freezing unexpectedly?
  • Are apps or programs opening or closing on their own?
  • Are there unfamiliar pop-ups, alerts, or error messages that you don’t recognize?

Battery & Data Usage:

  • Is your device battery draining faster than usual?
  • Are you using significantly more mobile data than expected, even when not actively browsing or using apps?

Unfamiliar Changes:

  • Have any new apps, software, or files appeared on your device that you didn’t download?
  • Are there new browser toolbars, extensions, or changes to your default homepage or search engine?

Security Warnings:

  • Have you been locked out of your device or been asked to pay a ransom (ransomware attack)?
  • Are you getting warnings from antivirus software or security tools?
AV Protection

Email Compromise

Account Access & Login Issues:

  • Have you been locked out of your email account, or has your password been changed without your knowledge?
  • Did you receive an alert or notification about an unfamiliar login attempt?

Suspicious Email Behavior:

  • Are your contacts reporting that they’ve received spam, phishing, or strange emails from your account?
  • Do you see unfamiliar messages in your “Sent” folder that you didn’t send?

Unrecognized Account Changes:

  • Have you noticed changes to your email settings, like auto-forwarding rules, signature changes, or new filters?

Social Media Account Compromise (Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook, etc.)

Unauthorized Transactions:

  • Have you noticed unauthorized changes to your profile picture, bio, contact information, or linked accounts?

Account Access & Login Issues:

  • Have you been logged out or had your account suspended without explanation?
  • Did you receive notifications of logins from devices, locations, or IP addresses you don’t recognize?

Unfamiliar Posts & Messages:

  • Are posts, comments, or messages appearing on your account that you didn’t create?
  • Are your followers reporting spam or scam links being sent from your account?

Changes to Profile Info:

  • Have you noticed unauthorized changes to your profile picture, bio, contact information, or linked accounts?
Online Accounts

Suspicious Behavior with Online Accounts (Banking, Shopping, and Third-Party Accounts)

Unauthorized Transactions:

  • Are there unfamiliar charges, transfers, or purchases on your bank or credit card statement?
  • Are there new payees, accounts, or scheduled payments you didn’t set up?

Account Access & Notifications:

  • Did you receive alerts of logins from unfamiliar devices or locations?
  • Are there any notifications of changes to your password, security questions, or email linked to your account?

Changes to Account Information:

  • Have any of your account details (email, phone number, or billing address) been changed without your permission?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Issues:

  • Are you receiving verification codes (2FA) that you didn’t request?

General Questions for All Devices & Accounts

  1. Have you noticed any unusual activity on your devices, accounts, or bank statements?
  2. Have you recently clicked on any suspicious links, pop-ups, or email attachments?
  3. Are there any login attempts, password resets, or security alerts you didn’t initiate?
  4. Have you shared your password, PIN, or other sensitive information with anyone recently (even unknowingly)?
  5. Are you reusing the same password for multiple accounts, or is your password too simple?
  6. Have you installed any new apps, browser extensions, or software from untrusted sources?

Don’t wait for the threat to escalate—protect your digital world today by contacting us!