Ever get that sinking feeling when a service you barely use emails you about a data breach? Or do you see news about millions of users’ info being exposed? Yeah, it’s unnerving—and, sadly, getting more common.
The truth is that hundreds of millions of records were exposed worldwide in just the last few years. That’s not cool. (And you might even be one of those millions—467M, to be exact. Sorry!)
The ten most significant breaches during the first half of 2023 have impacted more than 100 million individuals, and we don’t want your data to become another statistic.
So, We’ve Pulled Five Easy Tips To Enhance Your Online Security:
1. Delete Online Accounts You Don’t Need
Remember that recipe app you downloaded for Thanksgiving three years ago? Or the online store where you bought that one birthday gift? Chances are, these accounts are just collecting dust, and you probably have a bunch (way more than you think–around 220 on average!). These dusty accounts are like open doors for your data, potentially leading to scams, marketing traps, and even identity theft. Trust us, it’s easier to recreate an account if you need it again than dealing with a credit card scam.
There Are Two Ways To Tackle This:
- Manually: Search your inbox or password manager for the accounts, then look for the account deletion instructions. Alternatively, you can use a repository with everything you need to delete your accounts across thousands of platforms.
- Automatically: You can use Yorba to quickly see and zap any unnecessary accounts linked to your email. Easy peasy.
2. Fix Those Passwords Once And For All
If your login credentials for one account are exposed in a breach, attackers may attempt to use those credentials on other platforms, potentially gaining access to your data. Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to accounts, and you don’t want to reuse them or make them easy to guess. Here’s how to make it happen:
- No Repeats: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. It’s like using one key for all your doors–not secure.
- Complexity is Key: Choose long, strong passwords that use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Think of them as super keys that only you can use.
- 2FA: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, making it much harder for automated attacks to succeed.
3. Remove Yourself From Data Collection Sites
Ever feel like someone could write a biography about you just from the data floating around online? That might be closer to reality than you think. Data brokers collect and sell your information, including your address, income, health conditions, social circle, and family details. Yikes!
Here’s How To Fight Back:
- De-Google Yourself: The first step is to remove unwanted search results from Google.
- Demand More: Use a free app like Permission Slip to request the removal of your data.
4. Unsubscribe From The Newsletters You Don’t Read
Spam messages account for over 45% of email traffic. The unnecessary subscriptions add to your cognitive load, contribute to stress, and tempt you into excessive buying. On top of that, the senders can leak or sell your data. If a vendor follows the CAN-SPAM Act or GDPR, they are restricted from selling or transferring your email address, not even in the form of a mailing list, once you’ve expressed your desire to stop receiving their messages. You might need to send an explicit request to get your data deleted.
- Take Fast Action: Next time you open a newsletter you don’t remember subscribing to, scroll down and unsubscribe immediately. Don’t let it languish in your inbox.
- Unsubscribe From Them All: Want to see all the mailing lists you’re (somehow) subscribed to? Platforms like Yorba can help you manage and unsubscribe from them all in one go. Take control of your inbox!
5. Monitor Your Bank Account
Finally, while regularly checking your bank and credit card statements might not prevent a breach, it can help you catch unauthorized transactions early. Monitor your paid subscriptions and set up bank account alerts to automate the process.
Remember, taking control of your online security is an ongoing process. By implementing these five steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of data breaches and keep your digital life secure. And hey, if you need some help managing your online accounts and subscriptions, Yorba is always here to lend a hand (or, instead, a digital shield)! Huzzah.
