Protecting Yourself: 7 Essential Steps After Facebook's Data Breach
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Understanding the Facebook Data Breach
Your personal information may be more exposed online than you realize.
Recent reports indicate that approximately 533 million Facebook passwords were compromised, a fact that dates back nearly two years. Facebook confirmed that usernames, phone numbers, emails, and other personal details were leaked on a hacking forum. In an email statement, the company remarked, “This is old data that was previously reported on in 2019. We found and fixed this issue in August 2019.” However, they have notably refrained from offering an apology for the exposure of personally identifiable information (PII).
Cybercriminals may have utilized software to mimic the Facebook app, allowing them to upload phone numbers and identify which ones matched Facebook accounts. Once they pinpointed a user, they could delve into publicly available profile information.
Taking Control of Your Privacy
While implementing these changes may feel cumbersome, they are crucial for those who have previously experienced account hacks. Although these measures won't guarantee immunity from future breaches, they can significantly complicate a hacker's efforts to disrupt your life.
Update Your Passwords
It’s essential to abandon simple and easily guessable passwords for your social media, financial, and other online accounts. With frequent data breaches across various platforms, it's wise to change your passwords at least once a year. Many organizations may not notify you of a breach until months or even years later, leaving your data vulnerable during that time.
Limit Birthday Sharing on Your Profile
Consider whether you truly need to disclose your birthday publicly. Personally, I choose not to share this information, even with close friends, as it can be a target for fraudsters. Public birthday information can serve as a valuable piece of data for those looking to exploit you. If necessary, consider using a fictitious birthday for online profiles.
Avoid Disclosing Your City of Residence
When I was in the Army, I never disclosed my city of residence and kept my military background private. Sharing too much personal information can provide hackers with additional pieces of the puzzle, making it easier for them to target you.
Use Unique Passwords Across Different Accounts
It’s common to use the same password across multiple sites for convenience, but this practice can be risky. Instead, create unique passwords for each account and update them regularly. With over 30,000 websites hacked daily, it's crucial to keep your information secure.
Secure Your Financial Accounts
Your bank and investment accounts are particularly attractive to cybercriminals. Ensure your passwords are updated and leverage two-factor authentication if available. This extra security measure may require you to confirm your identity through an additional method, such as a text message or authentication app.
Watch for Signs of Phone Cloning
If you experience issues accessing your bank account or phone services, you may be a victim of phone cloning. In a previous incident, I discovered that a thief had cloned my phone, allowing them to access my bank account through an ATM. If you suspect this has happened to you, contact your bank immediately for support.
Reflect and Implement These Steps
While it may seem overwhelming, following these steps is essential for safeguarding your information. It’s better to proactively secure your accounts rather than reactively addressing breaches.
Video: Your Data Was Stolen (Again): Simple Steps to Protect Yourself & Your Benefits
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Final Thoughts
As long as you engage with platforms like Facebook and share your information online, you remain susceptible to cyber threats. In addition to the aforementioned strategies, you may want to consider using a service that alerts you to potential theft sooner than your service providers might. Personally, I rely on Norton Antivirus for an extra layer of protection, which also notifies me when my information is compromised on other sites—often quicker than the companies themselves do.
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This video outlines effective strategies to enhance your security on Facebook and protect your account from potential hacks.
Have you ever had your personal information stolen? It's a reality many face, but staying informed can make all the difference.