On July 4th, 10 Billion passwords were dumped on the dark web on a cyber-underground forum. Yes, you read that right, 10 Billion! It’s time to protect yourself.
A user has leaked nearly 10 billion unique plaintext passwords on a popular hacking forum, seemingly obtained through several past breaches. The list is coined RockYou2024, due to its file name, rockyou.txt.
Image by Brita Seifert from Pixabay
Google Reports
This week Google announced dark web reports will soon be available for free to all Google users. As reported by 9to5Google, the search giant plans to make its dark web reports feature available to all users after it was previously only available as part of a Google One subscription.
According to Google’s official documentation, once you set up a profile, the service will monitor the dark web to let you know if your personal data has been exposed due to a data breach or a data leak. When your dark web report comes back, you can see if your name, address, phone number, email, username or passwords have been found online.
If you live in the U.S., though, you will also be able to see if your Social Security number was found. However, for this to work, Google requires that you add a U.S. billing method to your monitoring profile. As of now, Google’s dark web reports are available in 46 different countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, France and many others.
It’s important to note that the types of personal information scanned can vary slightly between countries or regions. Dark web reports will likely become available for all Google users in July once the feature is officially removed from Google One.
Keep Your Information Safe
TomsGuide.com lists the best identity protection services in 2024. Being hacked can lead to financial fraud and identity theft. Restoring your identity can take years to resolve, costing you time and money.
I know I sound like a broken record on this topic 🤔 You know it’s serious when the big tech companies have been impacted too. Here are some tips to keep your information safe in 2024:
- Use strong passwords. Use passwords that are at least 16 characters long and include upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid reusing old passwords and use a password manager to create and store unique passwords in an encrypted form.
- Enable multi-factor authentication. This can help protect your data from hackers and unauthorized users.
- Use encryption. Encryption uses unique codes to scramble your data, making it difficult for hackers to read, even if they breach your firewall.
- Keep your software updated. Software updates fix problems and provide security patches that can help prevent criminals from gaining access.
- Use antivirus software. Antivirus software can help protect your accounts and details from malware, spyware, and viruses.
- Back up your data. Regularly back up your data to a secure, encrypted, and off-site location. This can help you recover from cyberattacks or other disasters.
- Limit sharing of personal information. Be careful who you share your personal information with, including your Social Security number. You can also review your privacy settings on social media.
Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay
AT&T Breach
As I was writing this, AT&T announced a new breach. The call and text message records of nearly all of AT&T’s cellular customers were exposed in a data breach, the company said Friday.
They encourage you to contact them directly if you encounter …
- Suspicious text activity: Do not reply. Forward the text to AT&T so they can assist you. Forwarded messages are free and won’t count toward your text plan.
- You are a target of fraud on your AT&T wireless number: Report it to AT&T’s fraud team. If you suspect fraud on another account, call the customer service number on your bill for help.
Living in an Online World
Yes, there are rewards and risks to living in an online world. Protect yourself as best you can and have a Plan B, if your information is impacted by a breach.
Speaking of Plan B … how is your overall life planning Plan B coming along? Reach out via Email or Message me if you have any questions. For additional information about my work check out @ The Living Planner or @ The Living Planner.
To consider some things to consider earlier vs. later, my book The Living Planner (What to Prepare Now While You Are Living) is a resource for you. Here is a direct link to my shopping cart. Check it out HERE. For those who prefer to access information via an online portal, I’ve created a step-by-step 12-Module DIY method: Check it out HERE.
This quote is a reminder that it is a privilege when you involve me in navigating with you. Lynn “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.” – Chinese Proverb
#Can’tPredictCanPrepare #PlanfortheUnplanned