There is no doubt that cyber security is a proper and necessary thing, but, like any sphere of human activity, it has managed to acquire so many rumors, myths and recommendations that it is difficult to distinguish the truth from the fake, and current useful advice from the already outdated. However, people are trying. Like, for example, in this wholesome thread on the AskReddit community.
More info: Reddit
anon Report
ComradeIX Report
According to a report published by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), in 2022 there were 1,774 data breaches all over the U.S. with over 442M total victims. This is only slightly less than the “record” figure of 1862 cases registered in 2021, but the main problem with these data breaches is that you may not even notice that you’ve become a victim. And, accordingly, the consequences can be felt months or even years later.
ITRC is, of course, not the only resource that collects such data. Cyber security companies are doing their own analysis, and these numbers are no less troubling. For example, only in the third quarter of 2023, according to a study conducted by Surfshark, one of the world’s leading companies in the field of cyber security, the United States held the sad “primacy” in the number of breached accounts with 2.767B.
Thus, there were 816 breaches per 100 people only in the U.S. On a global scale, Surfshark research shows us that since 2004, a total of 16.6B accounts have been breached, and approximately 6.0B of them have unique email addresses. In other words, for example, a single email account is breached around 3 times.
Last-Wealth2377 Report
nativedutch , photovs / Envato (not the actual photo) Report
It seems funny when, at the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, people still use passwords like 123456 or their own date of birth (we remind you - the third most common leaked information in data breaches), but the statistics are inexorable: the three largest common password practices among hacking victims in the U.S. in 2021, according to Statista data, were using a password more than once (89%), sharing personal passwords (74%) and using a password with less than 8 characters (61%). In other words, people simply don’t pay that much attention to cyber security, or even forget about it.
anon Report
abubudadu Report
clear cookies after each browsing sessionuse a password manageruse two-factor authenticationuse an adblocker to stop malicious softwareuse a VPN to protect your datause an antivirusmake sure your browser is up to dateenable private browsing or use a private browseruse privacy search enginesavoid HTTP websites.
Rolling-Trannies , Image-Source / Envato (not the actual photo) Report
covok48 Report
Basically, I could do the same thing using a free VPN service or maybe surfing with Tor browser, but the connection speed is still a game changer. Paid VPN services don’t cut down (or almost not cut down) on connection speed, so comfort plus security is something that I personally am willing to pay for.
dragoninthewest , Rawpixel / Envato (not the actual photo) Report
anon , Prostock-studio / Envato (not the actual photo) Report
“Completely wiping personal data from the network can be an uphill battle, given that once information is released or leaks onto the internet, it can quickly proliferate and scatter across countless platforms,” Aleksandr Valentij, Cyber Security Lead at Surfshark, whom Bored Panda asked for a comment here, agrees. “Bits of your digital footprint, including search history, passwords, and account information - every cookie you’ve ever clicked ‘accept’ for - are captured by data brokers.”
“These brokers diligently document your online activities, the pages you browse, and your preferences, repackaging this data to sell to interested third parties. However, there is a way to fight back. Incogni by Surfshark actively steps in on your behalf, engaging with these data brokers to advocate for the removal of your information, offering a layer of defense in the quest to reclaim your online privacy."
mxmnull , werayutht / Envato Report
jmnugent , Natabuena / Envato (not the actual photo) Report
“With Surfshark’s Alternative ID feature, you can establish a brand-new, distinct online persona complete with a proxy email. This allows you to protect your personal information, prevent data breaches, and keep your primary inbox free from clutter. Simply convey to us the specifics of the identity you wish to project, and we will curate a new profile, complete with an email address, ensuring your actual identity remains concealed.”
killfire4 , DC_Studio / Envato (nont the actual photo) Report
skovalen , Digitalshape / Envato Report
Well, today you can get by with software soultions instead of adhesive tape… “Surfshark Antivirus offers a layer of security by blocking camera access from all unauthorized applications, immediately alerting you to any failed access attempts. Furthermore, it provides robust protection for your device against malware by proactively scanning files before they are downloaded or opened, ensuring that no malicious elements breach your system,” Aleksandr adds.
In other words, a VPN plus a few more additional services today can easily do the lion’s share of the security work for us.
520throwaway , YuriArcursPeopleimages / Envato (not the actual photo) Report
SoundedDoughnut Report
“If a user is facing geographic restrictions while attempting to watch a show online, employing a VPN is a common solution,” Aleksandr Valentij says. “A reliable VPN service, such as Surfshark, can help in this scenario. When connected to a VPN, the user’s internet traffic is rerouted through a server located in a country where the show is legally available, effectively changing the perceived location of the user. This process conceals the user’s actual IP address, making it seem as though they are accessing the content from within an unrestricted region.”
mr_sto0pid , catsofnishava / Envato (not the actual photo) Report
Majoishere , DC_Studio / Envato (not the actual photo) Report
anon , DC_Studio / Envato (not the actual photo) Report
lulz85 Report
anon , DC_Studio / Envato (not the actual photo) Report
So no service, even the most reliable and effective, is a panacea if it is not used wisely. An ancient Kodak advertising slogan was “You push the button, we do the rest!” When it comes to cyber security nowadays, it’s critical that we don’t press unnecessary buttons - and let dedicated, smart solutions do the rest for us.
Follow Bored Panda on Google News!
Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!
