Cybercriminals are constantly seeking out data breaches. The larger the breach and the more sensitive the information, the quicker they can exploit it for financial gain by selling it or using it directly. Do check search leaked email online
Data breaches typically expose the following personal information:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license details
- Home addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email and password combinations
- Medical records
- Biometric data (fingerprints, facial images)
- Behavioral data (preferences, online activity history), among other things.
Over the last decade, hundreds of organizations, including government bodies, have experienced data breaches, leading to the exposure of sensitive information on millions of people globally.
It’s estimated that around 300 million people are affected by data breaches annually. Cybercriminals are capitalizing on this by:
- Collecting vast amounts of data
- Correlating this data to build detailed profiles of potential victims and their relationships
While there is no universal solution to prevent data breaches, there are steps you can take to discover if your data has been compromised and if cybercriminals are exploiting it.
“How can I find out if my personal information has been exposed online?”
Many recommend reviewing your main accounts to determine if your email has been compromised. While effective, this approach is time-consuming and may require additional tools to secure your information.
To streamline this process, Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection offers a monitoring service through a real-time online dashboard that requires no downloads. It saves time and effort by helping you protect your personal information.
How to Find Out if Your Email or Password Has Been Compromised
When using Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection, you benefit from continuous breach monitoring for up to five email addresses. It works automatically once you enter your details.
As the service scans the web, including the Dark Web, it may even find old email addresses you used in the past that are still linked to your data.
It also checks for leaked passwords. If your passwords are found in a breach, Bitdefender will advise you to change them and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
What to Do if Your Personal Information is Compromised
If your information has been exposed, follow the steps recommended by Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection, such as changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Additionally, take the following precautions:
- Be wary of phishing scams, including fake antivirus warnings or suspicious package delivery notifications.
- Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges.
- Check for unfamiliar logins on your accounts and set up alerts where possible.
- Be cautious about password retrieval messages; always update your credentials through the official website.
- Watch for signs of identity theft, such as multiple tax returns filed under your name or debt collectors contacting you for loans you never took out.
Being proactive about your online privacy and security can help prevent attacks before they occur, saving you time, money, and stress.
