It takes many years for a business to build reputation in an industry and poor data security can damage the reputation of your business. Scanning your critical documents with the help of document scanning services ensures better security and data protection. With the emergence of highly sophisticated technologies like cloud computing and platform for online trading the arsenals for hackers have increased. So make sure that you choose the right vendor for digitization and for cloud storage to avoid data breach. The most common threats today include skimming, data interception and unauthorized access to data flowing through networks.
In 2016, Facebook shared their users’ personal data to Cambridge Analytica. All of these users received a notice “protecting your information,” with a link showing them what apps and what personal information was shared. This allowed members the ability to shut off those apps independently or through the third-party entry. Under Armour revealed a data breach in 2015. By 2018, Armour’s app MyFitnessPal received a huge blow when more than 150 million users had their personal information such as usernames and passwords impacted. Now, this shows that breaches are always possible, and the consequences can be serious. Therefore, it is vital that your personal data is kept secure. In the event of a data breach, do not panic. Just follow these steps:
- Find out how you have been affected: Find out whether the cyber criminals have gained access to your credit cards or social security numbers, or whether they have hacked into any of your financial accounts. When personal details are compromised, it increases your risk of becoming a victim of fraud. If cyber criminals get access to your date of birth, email IDor other important data, then it can cause a lot more damages to you. Therefore, find out the type of security breach that you are dealing with in order to take the right course of action.
- Manage passwords: Sensitive documents are often protected using a password and proper password management is important. Use a password of considerable length with upper and lower cases, and special characters like symbols or numbers. Using different passwords for different accounts can be difficult. So you can use password management tool help.
- Breached companies can help you: Data breach is a headache for both people and companies that are involved in data breaches. Try to find out what the breached companies are willing to do to alleviate the situation. Most of the companies provide free credit monitoring services to prevent cyber criminals from hacking and stealing your data.
- Keep track of your financial affairs: Have a clear idea about your financial transactions and keep a check on the bank statements you receive online. When there is a fraudulent activity, you will be able to identify it right away and notify your bank about the data breach. Be sure to review your credit card statement on a regular basis. Fraud alerts are worth considering because it will make it harder for a cyber criminal to open a fraud account in your name as verification is required.
Data breaches are common, but it is important to stay vigilant when it comes to your personal data. Businesses should be careful while outsourcing their data processing requirements. Professional data conversion services help businesses maintain the quality of the data and prevent data breach to a certain extent. Also, it is important that employees receive regular training sessions to prevent new methods of data attack.