In a recent exclusive survey by CNET, it was revealed that 47% of adults in the United States are aware that their personal information has been compromised in a cyberattack. Notably, Baby Boomers and Generation X have reported higher instances of sensitive data breaches. Around half of the millennials who were part of the survey have acknowledged being affected by a data breach. One in four Gen Z participants indicated that their data had also been exposed.
Data breaches might occur nearly every day for several reasons like phishing schemes orchestrated by cybercriminals, human mistakes and even employees who are attempting to exploit company information for personal gain.
The silver lining is that data breaches do not on their own lead to identify fraud and theft however, they do not increase the likelihood of phishing attempts that are targeting the personal devices of the users.
Therefore, it becomes essential for individuals to take proactive steps to safeguard their identity and data beginning with cultivating healthy online practices.
The survey has also highlighted that 71% of US adults engaged in risky online security behaviours over the past year which could further jeopardize their personal information and identity if they fall victim to cybercriminals.
The cybersecurity survey of CNET also explored how individuals reacted upon discovering their involvement in a data breach, and the scams that concern them the most. Also, the measures they are taking to protect their identities online, especially during the hectic holiday shopping season.
While data breaches might be out of customer’s control managing your own online data protection is completely within the grasp, also it begins with maintaining strong password practices. For this reason, experts strongly advise using unique passwords for each of the online accounts for which users may use tools like Password Manager to simplify the process.
Tech Journalist
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