Can We Be Proactive Than Reactive to Stop Cyber Security Attacks?

Is Data Breach a Profitable Business?

• Phishing Emails can be made look like delivered from a trusted source with malware infecting links or attachments incorporated in to the emails. This is one tricky tactics used by the bad guys to obtain confidential information, inject malware virus into the machines and directing users to dangerous websites.

• Accidental download of malware attachment can happen just by visiting a simple website or clicking on an add-on which can compromise any security outdated application or browser or any operating system, etc.,

• Well updated and maintained password would prevent easy gateway access for hackers to guess and breach financial and personal accounts.

• Outdated software/system vulnerabilities can create a black hole to attract hackers and steal data.

My Account Has Been Hacked—How to Avoid Running Into Similar Situation Again?

1. Change password on regular basis (maybe once a year), but be cautious to change the password straight away if you hear any news about a website or an organization being hacked.

1. Create stronger passwords and it is recommended to use at least 8 or 9 characters (longer the password better the safety),try to use a single password but keep changing the letters once in a while with characters. Secure password generator websites can be used as well to generate safe passwords.

1. Don’t reuse the same password: Being hacked by reusing the same password in one website can compromise the password security of other websites irrespective of the strict security measures. Golden rule would be to use different passwords for different accounts. Extra precautions should be taken care for passwords of financial or sensitive data containing accounts. Password manager tools such as free Norton Identity Safe should be used instead of writing down on a sticky notes.

1. Enable two factor authentication should be enabled. This service has been provided by many websites and it adds an additional layer of security by requiring to enter a code obtained via a text message or a token generator on the mobile phone. Even though an individual password has been compromised, the secondary security layer would make really hard for the bad guys to breach the data.

1. Pay extra attention to the email account as it servers a door to an individual’s digital life. If an email account can be hacked, it would lead to the breach of all the email linked accounts.

My Account May Has Been Hacked—What To Do Now?

Immediate Course of Action:

Need to determine the type of breach. Is that an Online or a POS data breach? If it is an online data breach, expect the possibility of credentials such as username and password has been compromised. If it is a POS data breach, expect the credit card details are being hacked and check your online financial accounts for any illegal or unidentifiable activity. Irrespective of the credit or debit card usage, risks involved are usually similar wherein the acquired card details can be tagged to the magnetic strips on different cards for purchases across Brick & Mortar stores. It is always required to stay vigilant regarding any minor financial account transactions and prefer to use or open accounts with the credit card companies with sophisticated/strict cyber security handling strategies.

Be cautious about the security breach notifications or notices from the websites/vendors and the corresponding passwords should be changed immediately.

Passwords should be updated on regular basis to avoid being tricked into receiving and clicking on the links made available in the phishing emails.