According to IBM, the average cost of data leaks in the United States costs companies about $9.4 million. And every year, more companies announce significant breaches that put you, the consumer, at risk.
In 2023 alone, T-Mobile announced two breaches, affecting over 37 million customers. And data storage maker Western Digital said hackers stole at least ten terabytes of data, including customer information. The thieves then demanded an eight-figure ransom not to share the stolen data. So, how can you keep your information safe in a world where hackers constantly try to steal your data?
Add safety extensions to Google Chrome to help protect yourself from data leaks.
In 2023 Google Chrome is the world’s most popular internet browser, with over a 60% market share. The next-most popular browser, Safari, comes preinstalled on all MacOS devices and only has about a 16% market share. Why is this important? Because Chrome is notoriously one of the least protective web browsers for your data.
If you use Google Chrome, be sure to install browser extensions to help keep your data safe from leaks. One of which is Cookie AutoDelete, which will automatically remove old, unused cookies from your computer. Cookies save your information from previously visited websites and track your web browsing habits. Most are perfectly safe; however, it’s better to err on the side of caution with lesser-known websites.
Additionally, be sure to install a tracker blocker extension such as DuckDuckGo or Privacy Badger. These programs prevent unwanted third parties from monitoring your browsing habits. It also prevents websites from tracking your activity without your permission altogether.
Use a virtual private network to encrypt your connection.
Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are incredibly versatile and useful tools to protect yourself from data leaks in 2023. Without one, your internet service provider knows pretty much everything you do online. They keep track of all of your data and can (and will) sell it to increase profits.
Though VPNs aren’t a silver bullet for data protection, they absolutely help keep you safe online. However, reputable VPNs come with a premium subscription, so you’ll have to cough up some cash for their services. Although they’ll generally cost less than your average streaming service subscription. So if you’re concerned about staying secure online, they’re important tools. Many also allow users to change their virtual location to access content that’s unavailable in their country.
Use your best judgment and discretion.
The best way to protect yourself from data leaks or bad actors is to think before you click. Do not open any suspicious links randomly emailed to you out of the blue. And if you frequently use public Wi-Fi, you should absolutely invest in a VPN. Using a public connection without any protection makes you an easy target for bad actors.
Additionally, do not save your passwords on your web browser. Use a secure password manager to keep track of your accounts. And definitely don’t use the same password for your myriad of accounts. Think of your passwords as digital keys (because that’s literally what they are). You wouldn’t use the same key for every door you want to keep locked.
The sad reality is tons of companies will gladly sell your sensitive information for a huge profit. For example, Meta recently agreed to a $725 million settlement for its role in the Cambridge Analytica data scandal. To know more about keeping yourself safe from data leaks, check out the National Cybersecurity Alliance resource page.
