Keeping Your Data Private in a Public World

In an increasingly connected world, keeping personal information secure, is more challenging than ever. The recent massive data breach involving National Public Data (NPD) is another reminder of just how vulnerable our personal data can be. NPD was a data broker that aggregated data and allowed customers to search billions of public records instantly for background checks. However, it recently became the center of a data breach affecting an estimated 300 million people.

In recent bankruptcy filings, it was revealed that NPD was owned and operated by one individual from his home office in Florida with minimal equipment – two desktops, a laptop, and five Dell servers. The breach exposed sensitive information like Social Security numbers, addresses, emails, phone numbers, financial records, and much more – leading to about 20 class action lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and more than 20 states.

The NPD breach is just one example of how our data is vulnerable and can easily be compromised. However, in today’s digital world, threats to our personal information aren’t limited to large-scale breaches. Social media platforms, where individuals share intimate details of their lives, further complicate the process of protecting personal data. Moreover, something as simple as downloading attachments or installing apps, voluntarily invites perpetrators onto your desktop or phone and into your private records.

Every post, check-in, and comment on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok provides potential attackers with your information to exploit. Cybercriminals use this data to create profiles on potential victims, combining it with information from data breaches to launch phishing scams, identity theft, or social engineering attacks. AI makes it even easier for these criminals to manipulate victims, using publicly shared information to guess security questions or gain unauthorized access to personal accounts.

If your data was exposed in the NPD breach or any other, it’s crucial to take action immediately. Monitor Your Accounts: Review your bank and credit card statements regularly for any suspicious activity. Set up alerts for any transactions or changes to your accounts. Place a Fraud Alert or Freeze Your Credit: Contact the major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your file. Change Passwords and Security Questions: Update all passwords and ensure they are strong and unique for each account. If any security questions use publicly available information (like your birthplace), change those as well. File Reports: If you notice any suspicious activity, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and notify your financial institutions.

While you cannot completely prevent data breaches, there are steps you can take to protect yourself in the future. Avoid sharing personal information such as your full name, birthdate, address, or other identifying details on social media. Criminals can use these seemingly harmless details to gain access to your accounts. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone, even after entering your password. Use unique, strong passwords, and never reuse passwords across multiple accounts.

Monitor your credit regularly and check your credit report at least annually to ensure no unauthorized accounts have been opened in your name. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each major credit bureau. (If you need help with this, let me know) A credit freeze is even more secure and prevents all new accounts from being opened in your name without your approval.

As we celebrate Succot, we are reminded of the vulnerability of the Jewish people as they journeyed through the desert, relying on fragile Succahs for shelter. These temporary structures serve as a powerful symbol of human frailty and the need for divine protection. Succot teaches us that despite our efforts to create security in our lives, we ultimately depend on God’s protection. The holiday encourages us to acknowledge our vulnerability and place our trust in God’s providence, recognizing that He is our ultimate source of shelter and strength, both in the physical and spiritual realms.

Would you rather invest all of your life savings into a start-up venture being run by Elon Musk or invest all of your life savings into a start-up where you don’t know the CEO, but it is an industry that you are very comfortable and familiar with?

Please email or message me to let me know your choice! Please let me know if you have a good “Would you rather” question, and we will highlight your submission.

Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is President and Chief Lending Officer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mortgage banker and direct lender. Approved Funding is a mortgage company offering competitive interest rates as well as specialty niche programs on all types of Residential and Commercial properties. Shmuel has over 20 years of industry experience, including licenses and certifications as a certified mortgage underwriter, residential review appraiser, licensed real estate agent, and direct FHA specialized underwriter. He can be reached via email at Shmuel@approvedfunding.com.

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