Over the past few months, we’ve seen a wave of data breaches affecting millions of people, from healthcare giants to government contractors and more. This latest incident is yet another in a long line of alarming breaches. Now, the insurance administrative services company Landmark Admin has warned that a data breach from a May cyberattack impacted over 800,000 individuals.
It’s important to note that Landmark Admin has partnered with some of the largest insurance carriers in the States, including American Monumental Life Insurance Company, Pellerin Life Insurance Company, and American Benefit Life Insurance Company. Through these partnerships, millions of policyholders and their sensitive information, such as names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and passport numbers, could be at risk of exposure, further amplifying the potential impact of this breach.
What you need to know
MASSIVE DATA BREACH EXPOSES 3 MILLION AMERICANS’ PERSONAL INFORMATION TO CYBERCRIMINALS
What is Landmark doing in the wake of the Data Breach?
Landmark is offering free identity theft protection services for those impacted by the data breach. It’s also currently notifying everyone whose personal information may have been in its systems during the breach. Individual notices will be sent by U.S. first-class mail, going out in batches as they identify potentially affected individuals. The first wave of letters was sent on October 23, 2024.
WORLD’S LARGEST STOLEN PASSWORD DATABASE UPLOADED TO CRIMINAL FORUM
9 ways to protect yourself from data breaches
1) Enable two-factor authentication:
2) Monitor your accounts and transactions:
3) Contact your bank and credit card companies:
4) Use personal data removal services: In light of these ongoing data breaches, protecting personal data has become essential. One proactive step is to consider personal data removal services, which specialize in continuously monitoring and removing your information from various online databases and websites.
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5) Have strong antivirus software: As cyber threats grow in frequency and sophistication, strong antivirus software is also crucial to fend off malware and phishing scams, both of which could expose your sensitive information if left unguarded.
6) Use strong, unique passwords: Secure access to your accounts is paramount. Using strong, unique passwords for each account is an effective barrier against unauthorized access, especially when data breaches place your information at heightened risk. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. A strong password typically has a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters and is at least 12 characters long. Consider using a password manager to help generate and store complex passwords securely.
7) Keep your software updated: Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Ensure your operating systems, apps, and browsers are updated to the latest versions to close any security gaps.
8) Limit sharing of personal information online: Be mindful about sharing personal information on social media or other platforms, as hackers can use this data in phishing schemes. Make sure to adjust privacy settings on your social media accounts so only trusted friends can view your profile information.
9) Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions: Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure and can be vulnerable to hackers. When accessing sensitive accounts, use a VPN or wait until you’re on a trusted, secure network.
ExpressVPN and Surfshark are both trusted VPN services that prioritize your privacy and security and are available on a wide range of platforms, including Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and popular browsers.
1) ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its speed, reliability, and strong privacy features. It offers ultra-fast servers in 105 countries, supports P2P sharing, and allows up to 8 devices to connect simultaneously. Available on a wide range of devices, it features a simple setup that takes less than 2 minutes. ExpressVPN’s strict no-log policy ensures your data is never stored, and all servers run on RAM, so no user activity is saved. With 24/7 live customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN is a top choice for privacy-conscious users
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2) Surfshark: Another excellent option, Surfshark provides strong security features at an affordable price. Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy and uses advanced encryption to keep your data safe. One standout feature is Surfshark’s ability to support unlimited devices on a single account, making it ideal for families or users with multiple gadgets.
Both VPNs offer top-notch security, ensuring that your browsing history, IP address, and online activities remain private.
Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices
WINDOWS FLAW LETS HACKERS SNEAK INTO YOUR PC OVER WI-FI
Kurt’s key takeaway
Do you think companies are investing enough in their cybersecurity infrastructure? Let us know in the comments below.
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