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One of the most notorious ransomware gangs across the globe, Lockbit, has warned Kash Patel, the Director of FBI, that it has enough data to completely destroy the FBI. This leads to a very critical question: If the FBI itself is at risk, then how safe is the common people’s data?
Ever since 2020, data breaches have proven to be more dangerous than ever. The Australian Federation has reported 450 breaches every 6 months. The infamous ransomware gangs, namely BlackLock, LockBit, and other similar attackers, have advanced cyberattack methods that prove to be a significant threat to large companies even though they use reliable security measures.
How long-tail is the data breach act?
Post 2020, the ransomware gangs have been increasingly targeting the big fishes in the market, including Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Nissan, Dell, Ticketmaster, and many others. As per IBM, the average financial loss has been reported to be nearly USD $4.45 million.
The worst part is that the ransomware software is more accessible than ever and easier to use. The dark web market now easily finds data buyers who purchase the stolen data. Even if you wipe down the top underground players, they give birth to innumerable other groups, forming a long tail of the cyber theft market.
What validates the cyber thugs is data. The more precise the data is, the easier it is for them to reach you. Consider the targeted ads industry. All they look for is every precise customer detail, which creates a demand for personal data. That’s exactly what the hackers steal from big, reliable servers.
Companies do adopt reliable and competent security measures, but if one email goes to the wrong sender, there’s no coming back. As per Arctic Wolf, 96% of attackers aim at data exfiltration and double down on data extortion. Not only do they encrypt the data in return for ransom, but they also threaten to release it in the dark market, known as the double extortion tactic.
Experts urge to implement these practices in everyday life!
While it seems that your privacy has already been compromised, here’s how you can still take control and secure your data from ransomware gangs. Learn from the cybersecurity experts:
Use MFA & secure passwords
Using multi-factor authentication is a must wherever possible. This requires moderating any access to your account from different devices by connecting your account to your phone.
Phishing attack awareness
Phishing protection is key to preventing data breaches. Stay vigilant by avoiding suspicious links and emails from unknown senders. Always verify sender details and carefully inspect email content before clicking or responding.
Limited sharing
Avoid sharing any personal information unless necessary. For example, you can avoid using phone numbers to log in, where other alternatives can work. Avoid sharing your birth dates because decoding them helps attackers crack your financial details.
Taking regular backups, using updated software, and using secure networks are some other ways to protect your data against any cyber misuse.