Alarming new data from the FBI found 49% of people’s email passwords have been leaked onto the dark web, leaving Americans vulnerable to online scams – a growing issue in Florida, where 41,061 victims lost $874 million to online scams in 2023.
That number has increased from $517 million in 2021, and in 2024, millions had their personal data, including social security numbers, leaked during an attack on National Public Data.
Online investigation service Social Catfish says these financial losses can be mitigated by taking five simple steps to safeguard online data.
Post Your Baby’s Name and Birthday on Social Media At Your Own Risk: Be cautious about what personal details you share on social media. If a scammer can see photos showing a baby named Taylor was born in 2022 they can look to guess passwords similar to ‘Taylor2022#’.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Utilize complex, long passwords that include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.
Never Click on Random Links: Don’t click on suspicious links or open unsolicited emails. If a phishing link is clicked, malware enters your computer and can steal personal information.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA on all accounts that offer it. This way, even if your password is compromised, scammers will need a second form of verification to gain access to your account.
Regularly Monitor Your Online Presence: Frequently check your social media and online accounts for any suspicious activity. Use tools like Privacy Lock to scan both the public and dark web for any personal data that may have been exposed.
