If you have used Facebook and reused passwords on multiple websites in the last 10 years this will be the most important article you read this year!
In recent years, Facebook, the world’s largest social media platform, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Multiple data breaches have rocked the company, putting the personal information of millions of users (like you & I) at risk.
It’s time to take a closer look at these alarming incidents and understand the importance of safeguarding yourself and assist in preventing identity theft.
The Facebook Data Breach Timeline: 2018 and Beyond
In 2018, it was revealed that the data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica had improperly accessed and used the personal information of up to 87 million Facebook users. This incident exposed not only users’ personal details but also their psychological profiles, raising serious concerns about privacy and data security.
Why You Should Be Concerned
These data breaches have significant implications for your privacy and online security:
⚠️ Identity Theft: Your personal information, such as your name, phone number, and email address, can be used by cybercriminals for identity theft or to impersonate you.
⚠️ Phishing Attacks: With access to your data, hackers can craft convincing phishing messages designed to deceive you into revealing sensitive information
⚠️ Financial Risks: Compromised data can lead to unauthorized access to your financial accounts and potentially result in financial loss.
⚠️ Privacy Invasion: Your personal conversations, photos, and messages may become accessible to unauthorized parties.
Take Control of Your Digital Privacy
It’s clear that data breaches can have far-reaching consequences, but you can take proactive steps to protect your online privacy.
We were lucky enough to speak with their Lead Project Manager, Nick, and he explains “In recent years we’ve seen some of the worlds largest companies become hacked with personal information and credentials being leaked. Due to the heartache that can be attached to identity theft, we wanted to provide all internet users the opporuntity to safeguard themselves and limit their exposure”
He continues, “Whilst people are aware of the risks they aren’t always equiped with the knowledge of what to do next. This is why we have launched a huge promotion to help protect users private credentials for a fraction of the regular cost.”
After further discussion we were also advised that the $1.99 promotion also includes full access to other leading Total Security products at no additional cost (such as TotalAV antivirus, Total Adblock & Total Webshield)
If you feel as though you could have been exposed in the breach, below are a few steps you can take to help limit your exposure.
Review Your Privacy Settings: Regularly check and update your privacy settings on Facebook to control who can see your posts and personal information.
Change Your Passwords: Use Total Password to create strong, unique passwords for your accounts and change them periodically.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA to add an extra layer of security to your Facebook account.
Password Security: Store strong unique credentials with Total Password to limit your exposure
Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about data breaches and security best practices to stay one step ahead of potential threats.
Use a secure Password Manager: Tools like Total Password can help you generate, store, and encrypt your passwords securely, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.
What’s next?
In an era where our digital lives are deeply intertwined with social media, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and protect your online presence. By taking these steps and staying informed, you can enjoy the benefits of social media while safeguarding your personal information from potential data breaches. Your privacy is worth defending.
** TotalAV’s recent reports for their latest awards can be found here:
