Ensuring the safety of our digital lives amidst the ever-changing world of data breaches is crucial. In a time where data security and cyber threats are prevalent, staying informed isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

Last month, several significant breaches made headlines, underscoring the importance of strengthening our digital defenses. Here’s a recap:

• AT&T Data Leak Affects 73 Million Past and Present Customers
• Daixin Ransomware Gang Strikes Omni Hotels
• Hacker Claims Giant Tiger Data Breach, Leaking 2.8M Records
• SouthState Bank Data Breach

AT&T Data Leak Affects 73 Million Past and Present Customers

AT&T, the USA’s largest telecoms company, revealed a massive data breach on March 30th, impacting 73 million individuals, both current and former customers. Sensitive information like Social Security numbers, names, and addresses was exposed on the dark web. While financial information and call history remained secure, other highly sensitive data such as passcodes and email addresses were compromised.

The breach, stemming from a security event in August 2021, prompted AT&T to notify affected customers, reset their passcodes, and offer identity theft and credit monitoring services. Customers are advised to change passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and stay vigilant against phishing attacks.

Daixin Ransomware Gang Strikes Omni Hotels

The Daixin Team ransomware gang targeted Omni Hotels & Resorts, threatening to release customers’ sensitive information unless a ransom was paid. This came after a significant IT outage at Omni Hotels, affecting reservation systems and room door locks. Omni Hotels confirmed the cyberattack on April 2nd and launched an investigation. Though Daixin Team added Omni Hotels to their dark web leak site, they’ve yet to publish proof. However, screenshots of stolen data, including visitor records, have been shared.

Hacker Claims Giant Tiger Data Breach, Leaking 2.8M Records

A hacker claimed a data breach affecting Giant Tiger, a Canadian discount retailer, leaking 28 million records online. Customer and employee data, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, were exposed on a dark web forum. While the retailer hasn’t confirmed the breach, security experts advise affected individuals to remain vigilant against potential identity theft or phishing attacks.

SouthState Bank Data Breach

SouthState Bank notified customers about a data breach compromising personal information earlier this year. Though the exact number of affected individuals wasn’t disclosed, the bank initiated an investigation and offered complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.

How to mitigate the risk of data breaches

Staying informed and proactive is key to safeguarding our personal information and mitigating the risks posed by data breaches.

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong, complex passwords for all your accounts, and avoid reusing them across multiple platforms.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible.
• Regularly Update Software and Devices: Ensure that your operating systems, software, and devices are up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
• Be Cautious Online: Exercise caution when sharing personal information online and be wary of suspicious emails, links, and attachments.
• Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts for any suspicious activity.
• Stay Informed About Security Threats: Keep yourself updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and trends by signing up for our monthly newsletter.

Check If Your Personal Information Has Been Leaked Online

If you’ve ever received an email, text message or phone call that you suspect is a scam, it may be the case that your personal information has been leaked online. Both the internet and the dark web are hotbeds for leaked personal information, so if your personal data is visible in either of these places, it is easily accessible to cybercriminals.

Fortunately, with Trend Micro ID Protection, you can find out if your email address and/or phone number have been compromised — quickly and completely free of charge.

Click here to search the internet and dark web for your data using ID Protection’s Data Leak Checker.

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