After a recent data breach by a Russian crime ring, no one is safe online. The crime ring accumulated the largest known collection of stolen Internet credentials. A security firm out of Milwaukee uncovered the hacking of 1.2 billion username and password combinations and more than 500 million email addresses.
The hackers got a hold of internet credentials from Fortune 500 companies to very small websites, not only on the United States, but all over the world.
Largest Online Hack
This internet hacking explosion may be the largest, but it’s not an uncommon trend. It follows last year’s theft of tens of millions of records from Adobe Systems, and the very popular Target data breach, which exposed 40 million credit card numbers and 70 million addresses, phone numbers and additional pieces of personal information.
Online security seems to be a losing battle. However, security experts must remain hopeful or the hacking will continue. But it still begs the question: Is anyone safe online?
Last February, a security firm uncovered stolen credentials from 360 million accounts that are available for sale on cyber black markets. This exposed personal information could open the door to online bank accounts, corporate networks, health records and just about any type of computer system.
Companies like AOL, Google and Yahoo were among providers whose databases were hacked in the February findings. Millions of consumers use these online entities. Companies storing personal data are responsible for securing it. But the online user still carries much of the weight.
The Russian crime ring hacking involves such a high number of victims that it’s safe to say anyone who has online accounts should take action to improve their online security.
Password managers like LastPass and Password Safe, create a unique password for each website you visit and store them in a database protected by a master password that you create.
It’s nearly impossible to know if your personal information was stolen, so it’s important to regularly monitor your financial records to help minimize the damage if someone gets your information.
Protect Yourself From Hackers
Contact DataShield today to take advantage of our Compliance Consulting. Aim to protect the information that passes through your office on a daily basis and help your company avoid data breaches.
