5 Ways Technology Prevents Data Breaches
A data breach is a cyber-attack where personal information, financial records, or login details are exposed or stolen. This type of breach can potentially cause substantial damage, leading to the theft of personal data, financial loss, and damage to the reputation of individuals and businesses.
Monetary incentives are the main motivation that drives hackers. Even more concerning is that 95% of data breaches occur due to human mistakes that could have been easily prevented, as highlighted by the Mastercard Trust Center.
Data breaches have grown more advanced. With the progression of technology, identifying and mitigating data breach risks has become more convenient. The following are five methods to safeguard yourself against technological compromises.
1. Keep Your Identity Safe Online
Keeping your identity safe is crucial to reducing the risk of data breaches. You can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep yourself safe online. Using a VPN will help you protect your personal information. A VPN is a reliable tool that conceals your IP address and whereabouts by encrypting and transmitting your online data through a remote server.
Using a virtual private network (VPN) can also be beneficial when enjoying a pastime or hobby that may not be fully regulated or legal in your region. For example, many avid gamers opt to use VPNs while playing or betting online to bypass regulatory hassles and add an extra layer of protection. Many gaming platforms use encryption technology to safeguard user data from threat actors, but the added protection of a VPN can’t hurt.
On the other hand, some gaming and gambling platforms use blockchain technology, which stores information across multiple network nodes, making it challenging for hackers to manipulate data. For instance, the best anonymous casino operating on the blockchain prioritizes maintaining privacy and decentralization. For gamers looking for a safe and secure way to enjoy their favorite pastimes online, opting for an anonymous casino or gaming site that utilizes blockchain tech is a great way to keep their identity safe online.
No matter the online activity, users should stay vigilant and be aware of the information they give out in the online arena. VPNs are an added layer of protection, and users can also opt for more secure platforms, like those on the blockchain, for an added boost of protection.
2. Two-factor or Multi-factor Authentication
Two-step verification, known as 2FA, and multi-step verification, called MFA, provide methods to safeguard your private data. This is done by verifying your identity before granting access to your accounts or services. To access your accounts or device, 2FA requires two different forms of identification. In contrast, MFA involves providing multiple credentials to authenticate your identity.
The foundation of 2FA and MFA lies in three authentication factors:
- The knowledge factor (something you know): This would be a password or PIN.
- The possession factor (something you have): This could be a security token, ID card, smartphone, or USB drive.
- The inherence factor (something you are) could be a biometric like fingerprints, facial features, or voice recognition.
The difference between 2FA and MFA is the steps to verify your identity. These techniques deter data breaches, significantly increasing unauthorized individuals’ difficulty reaching your sensitive information or system. Even if a hacker discovers your password, additional measures such as possession and inherence factors minimize the chance of compromise and hacking.
3. End-to-end Encryption
With end-to-end encryption, your data and messages are secure. This keeps people or companies from looking at your private chats. It stops others from grabbing your data, keeping your online talks private and protected.
Many platforms and apps offer complete encryption, preventing hackers from intercepting communications, video conferences, and private messages. However, without encryption, hackers can easily access and interfere with these forms of communication. At the beginning of 2020, Zoom Video Communications encountered hacking incidents known as Zoom bombing, where hackers took advantage of the platform’s vulnerabilities and intercepted private video meetings.
The breach generated a significant outcry that had the potential to lead to corporate espionage or the sharing of infected files to steal company data. In October 2020, Zoom resolved this issue by introducing free and paid users to end-to-end encryption.
4. Stronger Password Protection
Having more secure passwords is crucial to avoid unauthorized entry into your banking information, online accounts, and personal data. Numerous studies have identified weak passwords as the primary cause of data breaches. Using identical login credentials increases the likelihood of cybercriminals quickly guessing your passwords. The most effective defense against hacking involves creating unique passwords for each account.
Using the same username and password makes it easier for cybercriminals to guess your passwords quickly. This leaves you vulnerable to identity theft, blackmail, or ransomware attacks.
To improve your security and protect yourself from cyber threats, it is recommended to generate passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols while avoiding commonly used names or weak passwords like “password1234”. You can use a password manager to store and generate new passwords to strengthen your security further.
5. Firewall
A firewall functions as a protective agent for a computer network, similar to a security guard. It aims to prevent unauthorized or harmful connections by establishing a barrier between a trusted internal network and external networks such as the Internet. Firewalls are pivotal in enforcing rules that govern the flow of network traffic.
When combined with antivirus software, a firewall helps recognize and eradicate viruses and identify malware, harmful codes, and spyware. This ensures protection against unauthorized breaches, access, and potential data violations.
