Do you have a false sense of security about being hacked?

CHICAGO - Dec. 26, 2014 - PRLog -- CHICAGO, IL – Almost every week there is a story about hackers causing problems for others, whether it’s movie stars, Sony, Home Depot and other retailers, banks and employees.  Even sitting at a coffee shop or airport and using your mobile device to share, receive and store personal data like credit card numbers, passwords, emails and banking information, you’re exposed to the possibility someone is tracking and hacking your data.   Vince Mazza, privacy advocate and co-founder of Guard Street™ explains, “We expect our data to be secure on our device and many think the brands of our devices are invincible when it comes to security or because we have identity theft protection insurance we are in the safe zone.”

According to a study commissioned by Norton, 50% of online adults have been victims of cybercrime and negative online situations in the past year and 41% have fallen victim to attacks such as malware, viruses, hacking, scams, fraud and theft.  The financial loss from cybercrime is up 50% over the prior year and according to Javelin Strategy and Research, so is the number of victims of identity fraud. The probabilities are high for any one of us to be a victim of one of these hackers.

“The fact is, our devices are good and some brands and their devices are great, but one doesn’t exist that is 100% secure from hackers and cybercriminals.  The bad guys seem to find a way in.  It doesn't matter what device you use, when consumers use free public Wi-Fi they are exposed.  There is hacking software out there that allows cyber criminals to set up dummy hotspots and gain access to personal data and this hacking software could penetrate any device” Mazza said.

There are unsecure mobile apps that can be downloaded.  Consumers don't always know or pay attention to what data is being shared and with whom.  While the information that would be shared is required to be disclosed at the time of the app download, many consumers don't read that.  Consequently, this information can be shared from any mobile device.

Mazza continued, “While it’s important to have identity theft protection insurance and credit monitoring, particularly these days, those services don’t necessarily prevent hackers from getting at your personal information online including your credit card numbers, bank account information and passwords – your digital DNA.   They’re helpful after a problem has been detected, but it would be a false sense of security to think that they prevent hackers and cybercriminals from causing problems.  The best protection is taking proactive measures to lock up your personal data – the stuff that if in a criminal's hands could cause all sorts of problems and expenses.”

According to Mazza, “In order to proactively protect what’s really important, the solution is to use a holistic approach toward your data privacy and security.  That includes using multiple protection tools to lock up your digital DNA.”

There are many tools consumers should use and some include using a secure email account and storing your electronic data using encryption and better yet, on servers located in Switzerland.  Also, using secure online connections at home and while away using a Virtual Private Network is also important to protect your web activity.  Free or unsecured Wi-Fi networks can make it easy for thieves to eavesdrop on your activity.  Avoid making any sensitive transactions like banking or shopping while using an unsecured connection.

Mazza continued, “We can’t solely rely on reactive protection tools or assume hackers can’t get into our computers or mobile devices – they prove that they can every day, but we can take control of our privacy through proactive protective measures.  Looked at another way, not being protected drastically increases your odds of being a victim.”

About Guard Street™
Guard Street™ is based just outside of Chicago, Illinois and offers consumers’ packages of privacy protection tools that when activated create a personal data locking system.  For additional privacy news, tips for securing your personal data and information about the program, go to www.guardstreet.com or call 1-800-517-4550.