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In a world where information security should take precedence, knowing the status of your personal data and how to protect it is more crucial than ever. ESET gives us a detailed overview of how to check if our credentials have been compromised and best practices for securing our online accounts.
The increase in data breaches has highlighted the need to keep our digital credentials secure. Recently, “the mother of all breaches” was analyzed, involving attacks on platforms such as LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), where more than 26 billion records were exposed. This figure adds to previous incidents, evidencing an alarming trend in information security.
How to check your data exposure:
- Haveibeenpwned.com: This free resource allows users to check if their data, such as email addresses or passwords, has been compromised. By simply entering your email on the site and clicking “pwned?”, you can get an instant response about the status of your data.
- Web browsers like Chrome and Firefox: These offer built-in tools to check if your passwords have been compromised and suggest measures to strengthen them.
In addition to tools built into browsers, password managers represent an essential line of defense. “Password managers are invaluable for managing numerous credentials securely,” explains Camilo Gutiérrez Amaya, head of the ESET Latin America Research Laboratory.
These not only store passwords securely, but also generate unique and complex keys for each account, integrating two-factor authentication systems for additional security.
Tips to strengthen the security of your accounts:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Use 2FA on all possible services, preferably through a dedicated security key or authenticator app.
- Strong and unique passwords: Avoid simple and short combinations. Opt for passphrases, which are more secure and easier to remember.
- Avoid unsafe storage: Do not save passwords on paper or in note-taking applications. Do not store credentials directly in web browsers.
Adopting robust security practices is essential to protect your personal data in the digital age. From using password managers to enabling two-factor authentication, the steps we take can make a difference in our online security.
What strategies do you use to protect your data on the internet?
