Data Theft | Buzz Cybersecurity

Massive Social Security Breach: American Social Security Numbers Have Been Attacked

In a chilling revelation, a notorious hacking group has claimed responsibility for what may be one of the largest breaches of personal data in history. Four months after initially making the claim, a member of this group has allegedly released a vast amount of sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, for free on a dark web marketplace.

The Scope of the Breach

The breach is reportedly linked to National Public Data (NPD), a major data broker that provides personal information to employers, private investigators, and other organizations. A class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, alleges that the hacking group known as USDoD managed to steal personal records of nearly 2.9 billion individuals from NPD. This data reportedly includes names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and phone numbers—essentially a treasure trove for identity thieves.

The Risks Involved

The leaked data, if authentic, poses severe risks for identity theft and fraud. According to Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, this breach is particularly concerning due to the comprehensive nature of the stolen information. While some key details, such as email addresses and driver’s license photos, are reportedly absent, the available data could still enable fraudsters to create fake accounts, steal identities, and cause significant financial harm.

How to Protect Yourself

Given the scale of the breach, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to protect your identity and financial information:

Freeze Your Credit: One of the most effective measures you can take is to place a freeze on your credit files with the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This will prevent criminals from opening new accounts in your name. Remember, you’ll need to temporarily lift the freeze if you apply for credit in the future.
Use Identity Monitoring Services: Consider signing up for an identity theft monitoring service that scans the dark web and your accounts for suspicious activity. If your data was compromised, the company responsible for the breach might offer these services for free.
Check If You’ve Been Breached: Several tools, such as the one offered by cybersecurity company Pentester, allow you to search the leaked NPD database to see if your information was compromised. Atlas Privacy also provides a similar service to check if your data is among the leaked records.
Strengthen Your Account Security: Ensure that all your online accounts use strong, unique passwords, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, which adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Scammers may use the breach as an opportunity to trick people into revealing more personal information. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or texts claiming to be from companies you trust. Always verify the authenticity of such communications by contacting the company directly using official channels.

The Human Factor

Despite advanced technology, one of the biggest vulnerabilities remains human error. Scammers often rely on social engineering tactics to trick individuals into giving up their personal information. Always be skeptical of unsolicited communications and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive information to unknown entities.

Final Thoughts

The potential exposure of Social Security numbers and other personal information on such a massive scale is alarming and serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our digital world. By taking proactive steps to secure your information, you can mitigate the risks posed by this breach and protect yourself from identity theft and fraud.

Remember, vigilance is key. As Murray aptly noted, “These bad guys, this is what they do for a living.” Stay informed, stay protected, and take the necessary actions to safeguard your personal data.

Source: https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-08-13/hacker-claims-theft-of-every-american-social-security-number

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photo-of-stacked-coins-128867/

What is a Data Breach: Understanding the Basics of Data Security Breaches

In today’s digital age, data breaches have become a prevalent concern for businesses of all sizes. Understanding what a data breach is and how it can impact your organization is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information. In this article, we will examine the fundamentals of data security breaches, including their definition, typical hacker techniques, and potential business repercussions. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of data breaches, you will be better equipped to implement effective security measures and protect your valuable data.

What is a Data Breach?

Any unlawful access, disclosure, or acquisition of sensitive data, including trade secrets, financial records, or personal information, is referred to as a data breach. It happens when a hacker, cyberattacker, or other unauthorized person gets access to a business’s database or network and takes or alters data from there. Regardless of an organization’s size or industry, data breaches can occur.

How Do Data Breaches Occur?

Data breaches can occur through various methods and techniques that cybercriminals employ. Some common techniques include:

1. Phishing:

Hackers send fraudulent emails or messages pretending to be a trusted source, such as a bank or a reputable organization. When the malicious links or attachments in these emails are clicked, the hacker can take control of the recipient’s machine or network.

2. Malware:

Malicious software, such as viruses, worms, or ransomware, can infect a computer or network and enable unauthorized access to data. Hackers often distribute malware through infected websites, email attachments, or software downloads.

3. SQL Injection:

This technique involves manipulating a website’s database by injecting malicious code into the input fields. By exploiting vulnerabilities in the website’s code, hackers can gain unauthorized access to the database and retrieve sensitive data.

4. Insider Threats:

Data breaches can also occur internally when employees or individuals with authorized access to the data deliberately or accidentally disclose or misuse sensitive information. This can be due to negligence, a lack of proper security protocols, or malicious intent.

5. Weak Passwords:

Weak passwords make it easier for hackers to steal unauthorized access to systems and networks. This includes passwords that are easy to guess, use common words or phrases, or lack complexity. Additionally, reusing passwords across multiple accounts increases the risk of a data breach.

6. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks:

Using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, especially in public places, can expose a company’s data to potential hackers. Hackers can intercept data transmissions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

7. Third-Party Security Breaches:

Many businesses rely on third-party vendors or partners to handle certain aspects of their operations. If these third parties experience a data breach, it can also put the business’s data at risk. It is crucial for businesses to have strong contracts and security measures in place when working with third parties to ensure the protection of their data.

What are the Risks Associated With a Data Breach?

Financial Loss and Data Loss

Data breaches can result in significant financial losses for businesses. The cost of investigating the breach, restoring systems, notifying affected individuals, providing credit monitoring, and potential legal fees can be substantial. Furthermore, losing data, clients, and economic possibilities might result from harming a company’s reputation.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Depending on the nature of the data breached, businesses may be subject to legal and regulatory penalties. Many jurisdictions have strict d a ta protection laws in place, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, lawsuits, and even criminal charges. Additionally, businesses may be required to notify affected individuals and regulatory authorities about the breach, which can further impact their reputation and credibility.

Damage to Reputation

A company’s brand can be seriously harmed by data breaches, which weaken client loyalty and confidence. Consumers may lose faith in a company if they believe it is not protecting their personal information with care. Businesses may struggle to reestablish their reputation as a result of negative publicity and media coverage surrounding data breaches, which could have a long-term impact on their growth and profitability.

Intellectual Property Theft and Confidential Information

Data breaches can also expose a company’s intellectual property to theft. This can include trade secrets, patents, proprietary algorithms, and other important knowledge that provides a competitive advantage to a corporation. Intellectual property theft can have serious ramifications for a firm, such as a loss of market edge, diminished innovation, and decreased revenue.

How to Prevent a Data Breach

1. Implement Strong Security Measures:

Businesses should invest in robust security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication. Regularly update and patch software and systems to address any vulnerabilities.

2. Train Employees:

Educate employees about the importance of data security and train them on how to recognize phishing emails, suspicious websites, and social engineering tactics. Encourage the use of strong passwords and provide guidelines on safe online practices.

3. Limit Access:

Grant employees access to sensitive data on a need-to-know basis. Restrict access to only those who require it for their job responsibilities. Regularly review and update access privileges as employees change roles or leave the company.

4. Backup Data:

Regularly backup data to secure locations, both onsite and offsite. This ensures that even if a data breach occurs, the business can still recover their important information.

5. Regularly Monitor and Update Systems:

Implement monitoring systems to detect any suspicious activity or unauthorized access. Regularly update software, firmware, and security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.

6. Data Ecryption:

Use encryption to protect data both at rest and in transit. Encryption ensures that even if data is stolen, it remains unreadable without the decryption key.

7. Implement a Incident Response Plan:

Have a plan in place for how to respond to a data breach. This includes procedures for containing the breach, notifying affected parties, and recovering and securing data.

8. Conduct Regular Security Audits:

Regularly assess and evaluate your security measures and protocols. Conduct security audits to identify any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in your systems.

9. Know Your Legal Obligations:

Familiarize yourself with any applicable data protection laws and regulations. Understand your legal obligations regarding data privacy and take the necessary steps to comply with them.

What are the Legal Implications of a Data Breach?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and industry-specific regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) all require businesses to take data protection seriously. Failure to comply may result in monetary fines and other legal action.

Data breach victims, including customers or workers, may initiate legal actions against the affected organization. Financial losses, identity theft, and emotional suffering are all examples of damages that can be claimed after a data breach. Legal fees and damages awarded or awarded against the company in these cases can be very high.

Investigations into data breaches are commonplace among regulatory bodies including data protection agencies and state attorneys general. The company’s compliance with data protection laws and regulations is the focus of these probes. The company could face fines, penalties, or other forms of enforcement action if it is found to be in breach.

Loss of client confidence and significant harm to the company’s brand are only two of the many negative outcomes that might result from a data breach. This can lead to fewer sales, higher customer turnover, and trouble bringing in new clients. Restoring a tarnished reputation takes time and money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, data breaches pose a significant threat to businesses in today’s technology-driven world. As attackers continue to evolve their tactics, it is essential for organizations to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting their data. By understanding the basics of data breaches and implementing robust security measures, businesses can fortify their defenses and minimize the risk of falling victim to these malicious attacks. Remember, staying informed and investing in advanced technologies and security protocols are key to keeping your valuable data protected from potential breaches.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to cybersecurity, Buzz Cybersecurity stands out as a trusted authority. Our proficiency in managed IT services, advanced cloud solutions, proactive managed detection and response, and reliable disaster recovery sets us apart. We proudly serve clients ranging from small businesses to large corporations, not only in California but also in the surrounding states. If you’re seeking to bolster your digital integrity and safeguard against potential security incidents, reach out to us here. Our team is dedicated to assisting you every step of the way.

Sources

7 Ways to Protect Your Assets During the Holiday Season

As we close out what has been a difficult year for many, there’s a temptation to slack off being aware of the cyber risks out there, but the holiday season statistically sees an increase in cyberattacks, and experts are predicting that this year will be particularly bad. This year with COVID-19 restrictions hindering in-person activities, online purchases are expected to have a record-setting year. Cybercriminals are anticipating this, and will ramp up their efforts to take advantage of both unaware shoppers and unprotected businesses, looking to exploit sensitive information and data for the purpose of hacking. In this article, we take a look at how to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. We’ve done the research so you can actually enjoy your holidays with loved ones, rather than having to be on guard duty 24/7.

Be Careful With Holiday-Themed Emails. Retailers go out of their way to send out emails touting sales and special deals, and they all look really shiny! And by all means, take advantage of those savings, but understand that phishing emails will also look festive. Pay particular attention to an email if you don’t recognize the sender, or it’s rife with spelling errors. That might be a clue that someone overseas is trying to get you to give your credit card information, or open an email with a virus attached to it.
Slow Down. We’ve all clicked on a deal, only to see a pop up telling us that the special price is only available for a limited time—sometimes only minutes! Personally, I click right out of these because retailers often use this tactic to pressure you into making a bad decision that will result in buyer’s remorse, but hackers also use it to get you to throw caution to the wind, enter your credit card information, and click the buy button before you’ve really checked out the site. It’s OK to slow down and take a minute to make sure you trust the retailer on the other end.
Beware of Phone Phishing Scams. I don’t know about you, but during the month of December, I am working to meet deadlines faster so I can have more time to bake cookies, attend parties, and savor the moments of peace and joy that are unique to this time of year. And all the while, I’m juggling phone calls and emails from clients. Normally, I don’t answer the phone if I don’t recognize a number, but I’ve occasionally broken my own rule, and there is usually someone on the other end trying to sell me something. They’re typically harmless telemarketers, but one time in particular I remember the person on the other end had an air of urgency and needed to verify me before he would even explain what the call was about. And when I say verify, he needed me to confirm my mother’s maiden name and the last 4 numbers of my social security number! When I refused, he tried to intimidate me with vague consequences that made me laugh out loud and hang up. Stay vigilant—this time of year scammers are counting on you juggling ten things at once and hoping you’ll have a momentary lapse in judgment.
If You Must Work While Mobile, Be Extra Aware of The Risks. Many people wind up working during the holidays from hotels, airports, and anyplace that has free WiFi. But there are additional risks that come with working on-the-go, so be sure that you’re not using an unsecured network. Hackers will sit in coffee houses and lie in wait for unsuspecting victims who are tired, working against a deadline, and figure that using the free WiFi this one time won’t hurt. Trust us, it’s not worth it. A moment in lapsed judgment can wind up costing you thousands of dollars, and damage your professional reputation when you have to explain to clients how their information got leaked.
Pay Attention to Your Server Activity. Server mining happens with more frequency during periods of shutdown, like holidays, when schools, businesses, and others are not using the majority of their server capacity. You’ll want to keep an eye on the activity level, and if it seems off to you, make sure to look into it right away. Buzz Cybersecurity offers Managed IT Services that can help with this.
Keep You Updates Updated! The excitement of getting to see family, coupled with fast-approaching deadlines means that during the holidays, many companies and employees are more likely to put off patching until the beginning of the year, and hackers will look to take advantage of this. Updates and restarts are often seen as a frustrating barrier to getting out the door and often get overlooked, but take the time to audit. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention.
Keep the Faith. As we celebrate the holidays, we want to encourage you to keep your faith in things above, and not in too-good-to-be-true sales and specials that make grandiose promises. If you get a nagging feeling that something isn’t right, don’t ignore that. At Buzz Cybersecurity, we like to think that we all have a built-in sense of discernment that helps to protect us when others would seek to harm us in some way. We encourage you to pay attention to that.

We hope you and your loved ones enjoy the happiest of holidays and stay safe. And if you want to have us run a diagnostic on how you’re doing with protecting your assets, contact us so we can help you to have peace of mind this holiday season.

How To Mitigate Insider Data Theft

7 Ways to fight a growing cyber threat in the new remote employee culture

Insider data theft is a sobering thought. As a business owner, you can install specialized antivirus software, train your employees on how to spot a phishing email, and invest in a company that provides superior network monitoring, but none of that will do any good if your enemy is already within your walls.

Now don’t misunderstand. You need to be doing all of those things; I’m not advocating that you skip any of those steps in securing your business (Buzz Cybersecurity offers a free audit to help ensure you’ve got the basics covered), but with an unprecedented number of employees working from home due to the current Covid-19 situation, you need to entertain the possibility that someone in your organization may be willing to steal from you at some point in the future. Or already is. If you have a smaller organization, that can feel like a personal betrayal. Some may not even want to entertain the thought. But the majority of your employees are good, trustworthy people and will thank you for taking these steps because data theft puts their jobs at risk, too.

For the purposes of what we’re discussing in this blog, we’re excluding data breaches that occur accidentally via authorized viewing of data where no information is shared, lost or stolen devices, or malicious attacks coming from outside your company. While costly, they are a separate conversation. If you’d like more information on ransomware attacks, click here. This article is only going to deal with those employees who, for reasons ranging from selfish financial gain to righting a perceived wrong done to them by your company, have made an intentional decision to break the law and shares confidential data with others for the intent of causing harm to an individual or company.

What Can I Do?

Evaluate and classify all sensitive data. Most people don’t think like criminals, but for this to work, you have to take a step back and look at your assets objectively. What do you have in your possession that is most valuable if leaked and therefore more likely to be the target of theft? Make a list of what systems hold this information and create a security governance policy to make it harder to access this type of data. Revisit your list at least twice a year to make sure it’s current.
Limit the number of people you trust with access to sensitive data, and limit the amount of access they have. In 2018, Tesla learned this the hard way. According to CEO Elon Musk, a disgruntled employee was responsible for making “direct code changes to the Tesla Manufacturing Operating System under false usernames and exporting large amounts of highly sensitive Tesla data to unknown third parties.” The electric car company decided to forgo limiting the privileged access it allowed it’s employees to have, and according to CNBC, it cost the company a staggering $167 million dollars in damages. And while it’s common sense that no company will ever be 100% safe against these types of attacks, this particular incident is considered unfortunate because it could have been avoided.
Give people overlapping shares of trust. This is basically a system of checks and balances. It ensures that no one person has a singular Osterhagen Key that allows them to take out your company. You don’t want to give one person the ability to launch the nuclear warheads, and most employees will appreciate not being put in a position to wield such responsibility or to yield to temptation.
Monitor employee activity. No one likes to be Big Brother, but sensible employees will understand the benefits of working from home—namely less money spent on gas, eating out, work attire, not to mention more time to sleep and spend with family—far outweigh the need for companies to monitor for safety. Plus, anything they need to do on a personal level that they don’t want you to be privy to can be done on their PC or phone. Take a proactive approach to detect suspicious behavior when it occurs, rather than waiting for a breach.
Establish an acceptable use policy and then educate your employees about it. Having an official corporate policy about what is and what is not acceptable when it comes to using your company’s data. Then make sure all employees go through training that makes them accountable for what they’ve learned. Don’t assume that it’s common sense. And make sure employees know the legal consequences that will be taken should they be caught stealing company information.
Establish an anonymous tip line. Peers will often be the first to notice a co-worker’s suspicious behavior. Giving them a means to report unusual or erratic behavior will encourage your employees to come forward, especially if they are assured that they will not be subject to any retaliation because they can remain anonymous. Some may feel that this makes them a snitch, so it’s your job to help themselves realize that they’re actually being a hero, because not only could they be saving your company from financial ruin, but in the process, they’re helping to save their own jobs and the jobs of their friends.
Pay attention when an employee leaves your company, even when it’s on good terms. Don’t delay when it comes to terminating all employee accounts. Make sure any access to get back into your facility is revoked, and remove the employee from all access lists. You may be tempted to only do this when an employee is “disgruntled,” but making this a standard operating practice when a person departs your company will ensure that no one slips in through a door that should have never been left open.

Ready to take the next step in protecting your company and your livelihood?

Reach out to us today for a free consultation!