As May draws to a close and summer approaches, let’s take a look at last month’s data breaches. When it comes to cybersafety and protecting identity, it’s vital to stay updated on the latest data breaches and cyberattacks. According to IT Governance USA, over 5 billion records have been breached in 2,098 incidents so far in 2024 — read on for a summary of the latest big four:
Dell Data Breach
Dell has alerted its customers via email about a possible breach in its consumer portal. Although no financial data was compromised, there are concerns that personal information, including home addresses and order specifics, might have been accessed. Reports have alleged that around 49 million customer records are available for sale on dark web hacker forums.
JPMorgan Chase Data Breach
In a recent revelation, it was disclosed that 451,000 individuals banking with JPMorgan Chase had their personal information compromised due to a software vulnerability way back in 2021. While there is no evidence of wider data misuse, it appears that three unauthorized actors — affiliated with the bank — accessed user data between August 2021 and February 2024.
Dropbox Data Breach
Dropbox has informed its users about a security breach affecting its Dropbox Sign service (formerly known as HelloSign). The breach exposed email addresses, usernames, phone numbers, hashed passwords, API keys, OAuth tokens, and multi-factor authentication details.
Dropbox cloud customers remain unaffected, and there is no evidence that document contents or payment information were compromised. In response, Dropbox has enhanced security measures, including resetting passwords and rotating API keys. They have also provided guidance to affected users on how to safeguard their information.
23andMe Credential Stuffing
The popular DNA and ancestry testing company, 23andMe, suffered a major data breach due to a credential stuffing attack. This type of cyberattack occurs when hackers use stolen usernames and passwords from other breaches to break into accounts. Credential stuffing takes advantage of people reusing the same passwords on different sites, making it a common and dangerous threat. Unfortunately, this incident exposed the records of 4 million customers, sparking serious concerns about the safety of sensitive genetic information.
Security Tips to Protect Your Information
The above incidents underscore the importance of robust personal cybersecurity practices. Leaked personal information can lead to significant risks, including identity theft, phishing attempts, and other fraudulent activities. Here are some key tips to protect your information:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters to create strong passwords.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
- Update Software Regularly: Ensure that all your devices and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Be Cautious with Personal Information: Be mindful of the information you share online and with whom you share it.
Secure Your Digital Info
For an added layer of protection, consider using Trend Micro ID Protection. This service offers advanced features to secure your personal information:
- Real-Time Monitoring: IDP constantly scans the web for any signs of your personal information having been compromised.
- Dark Web Surveillance: Alerts you if your data appears on the dark web.
- Identity Recovery Assistance: Provides expert help if your identity is compromised.
What’s even better is that you can enjoy a 30-day free trial of ID Protection‘s paid version, so that you can take advantage of all its awesome features and start securing your identity and privacy today! Why not give it a go today?