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A data breach occurs when a company’s cyber security measures are compromised, allowing unauthorised access to information. If their information has been taken, it can be incredibly damaging to a business’s reputation and consumers. Companies are legally required to have measures to protect personal data and must notify anyone affected by a possible breach.
Criminals want to trick you into giving your information to them – this is known as phishing. They hope you’ll click on fake links to sites or open attachments, so they can steal data or install malicious software. Malicious emails account for nearly three-quarters of security breaches or attacks. It’s often a good idea to pass around screenshots of any phishing emails that have been received by staff to make sure everyone is aware of them and can more easily identify any future suspicious emails.
Cyber security has been a business problem presented in boardrooms for years, yet accountability still lies primarily with IT leaders.
Organisations have become far more vulnerable to cyber threats because digital information and technology are now heavily integrated into day-to-day work. But the attacks targeting information and critical infrastructure are also becoming far more sophisticated.
Cyber-risk incidents can have operational, financial, reputational, and strategic consequences for an organisation, all of which come at high costs. This has made existing measures less effective, meaning that most organisations need to up their cyber security game.
Where sensitive data is involved, such as with online financial transactions or for physical access to secure areas, two-factor authentication (or 2FA) is often needed. Two-factor authentication requires a second security measure to confirm your identity. The second security measure could be a voice, face recognition, or your fingerprint (biometrics).
Or, it could be a one-time password (OTP), a code sent to a secure authentication application on your device or computer, or a text message to your smartphone. The code must then be repeated back to authenticate your transaction. OTPs are randomly generated when required, are only valid for one use, and are usually time-out if not used within a specific, short period.
Unfortunately, cyber threats are common, and it isn’t always evident that your cyber security has been compromised. However, the following may indicate that you have been hacked, and you should immediately take action to prevent any further misuse or damage:
Inability to log in to an account (that isn’t a result of forgetting your password).
The startup of unknown programs when switching your computer on.
Emails are being sent from your account to others you didn’t send.
Social media posts from your account that you did not create.
The appearance of pop-up windows (that may encourage you to visit a particular site or download software).
Your computer isn’t performing as usual – e.g., it appears to have slowed down/crashed more frequently.
Thank you for your consideration!
Integral Safe expert will contact you as soon as possible.