Data Breach: Protect Yourself from Incidents Like Collection #1

“Collection #1” Data Breach

The Collection #1 data breach exposed over 770 million email addresses and 20 million passwords.  More than 1.1 billion email/password combinations were included in an extensive list that was published online for hackers to access.  Those numbers are staggering.

What Does This Mean For You?

We predict you may see an increase in phishing emails – the kind that ask for money in exchange for not distributing videos of you engaged in questionable activity.  Those emails might contain an old password you recognize.  Or spam messages with links to sites that compromise your credentials or personal information.

What Can You Do?

Compromises like Collection #1 serve as a reminder of how important it is to be diligent in protecting your data online.  There are two very simple things that everyone should remember as basic lines of defense.

1. Utilize good password practices

• Change your passwords regularly (don’t reuse them)
• Use passphrases that are difficult to guess (ex., mELt $n0w M3LT)
• Choose different passwords for every account you access online

2. Exercise caution with email

• Do NOT open attachments you aren’t expecting
• Hover over links before clicking on them to make sure they’re taking you to a legitimate website you know and expect
• Never respond to a request for money with a payment until you call to confirm its validity (and… they’re almost never valid, but you probably know that!)

With the constant evolution of cyberattacks, it is always best to question anything suspicious.  Contact your IT support team if something seems out of place or doesn’t feel right.  It is much easier for experts to protect you against a data breach than it is for you to recover from one.

We are here to help.  Run through our Cyber Security Checklist.  Then call us at 231-944-1100 or 248-286-1166 if you have concerns about your IT security.