Privacy breach and data breach sound a lot alike — and they are.
Many people use the terms interchangeably — and they should.
You might say that privacy breach and data breach are one side, not two, of the same coin — and you’d be right.
A privacy breach occurs when someone accesses information without permission. It starts with a security breach — penetrating a protected computer network — and ends with the exposure or theft of data. That data may include personally identifiable information such as your name, address, Social Security number, and credit card details.
So, where’s the difference? Maybe what sets a privacy breach and a data breach apart is that the word privacy sounds, well, more personal — and it is.
It’s your privacy.
What are my privacy risks?
Privacy relates to any rights you have to control your personal information and how that information is used. Your information is in a lot of places. That includes government agencies, health care organizations, financial institutions, social network platforms, computer-app makers, and many other places.
Your information has value. That’s why cybercriminals often target organizations where they can harvest personal data. They can use it to commit crimes like identity theft or sell it on the dark web.
Another similarity between privacy breaches and data breaches? There’s not much you can do to prevent them. The security of your information is in someone else’s hands. Even so, there are things you can do to help protect yourself.
9 tips to help protect yourself after a privacy breach
A privacy breach could increase your risk of identity theft. That’s when someone uses your personal information — like you Social Security number or bank account information — to commit crimes in your name.
Here are some tips that may help.
1. Mind your passwords.
Remember to use strong, secure passwords. Give each of your online accounts a password that’s unique and complex — a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that wouldn’t be easy to guess.
Tip: If you need help remembering your passwords, consider a product like Norton Password Manager to simplify the task.
2. Monitor your financial accounts.
If cybercriminals have your personal information, they may be able to access things like your existing accounts. That’s why it’s smart to check your accounts on a regular basis for unfamiliar activity.
Tip: A lot of companies offer activity alerts via text or email. It may make sense for you to sign up for them.
3. Check your credit reports.
Your credit reports can show if an identity thief has tried to open a new credit card or borrow money in your name. Check your reports regularly.
Tip: You’re entitled by law to a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies every 12 months. Visit annualcreditreport.com for more information.
4. Take action quickly.
If you see suspicious activity on your credit report or in your bank statements, contact the financial institution involved immediately. Do you think your information was stolen in a data breach? It’s a good idea to let them know.
Tip: Credit cards offer stronger protection against financial fraud than debit cards. In general, use a credit card for online buys.
5. Secure your smartphone.
Your phone requires a password. After all, you’ve got a lot of personal information stored on it. You wouldn’t want to give a criminal easy access to it on your unprotected phone.
Tip: Some measures to consider to help secure your smartphone: creating a strong PIN; using a fingerprint or face scan, if available, to lock your device; updating your apps and operating systems frequently.
6. Check website security.
Use only secure URLs. Those are the ones that begin with https://. The “s” is key, and it’s especially important when entering credit card or other personal information.
Tip: Cybercriminals build websites that may look real, but they’re designed to steal your personal information. Check the URL to see if you’re on a reputable and secure site.
7. Use high-quality security software.
Be sure to install and use security software that includes malware and virus protection. It’s important to keep your software updated, as these updates frequently are to patch security holes.
Tip: Norton Security is a trusted solution that can help protect multiple devices. It’s also available with LifeLock identity theft protection. LifeLock looks for use of your personal information and, with proprietary technology, alerts you to a wide range of potential threats to your identity†.
8. Avoid oversharing on social media.
Cybercriminals might combine your personal information from a privacy breach with details you share on social media. For instance, a criminal might find a mention of your mother’s maiden name on a social media platform and use it to answer a security question on one of your financial accounts. The lesson? Don’t overshare.
Tip: Never share anything that may include sensitive personal information. And remember to adjust your settings to make your profiles private.
9. Consider an identity theft protection or credit monitoring service.
A privacy breach can lead to a long process of recovering from identity theft. That’s one reason why it’s important to consider identity theft protection or a credit monitoring service.
Tip: Norton Security now includes LifeLock identity theft protection, helping to protect your personal information.
You can’t always count on organizations to secure your personal information. But regardless of whether you call it a privacy breach or a data breach, it’s definitely personal.
Cyber threats have evolved, and so have we.
Norton 360™ with LifeLock™, all-in-one, comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, identity theft, online tracking and much, much more.
Try Norton 360 with Lifelock.
Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More
†No one can prevent all identity theft. LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses.
- Norton
Norton empowers people and families around the world to feel safer in their digital lives
Editorial note:Our articles provide educational information for you. Our offerings may not cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat we write about. Our goal is to increase awareness about Cyber Safety. Please review complete Terms during enrollment or setup. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, and that LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses. The Norton and LifeLock brands are part of Gen Digital Inc.
As a seasoned expert in cybersecurity and privacy, I've spent years delving into the intricate landscape of digital threats and protective measures. My firsthand experience in the field, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of evolving cyber threats, positions me as a reliable source to guide you through the nuances of privacy breaches and data breaches.
Now, let's dissect the article and delve into the concepts presented:
1. Privacy Breach vs. Data Breach:
- Privacy Breach: Occurs when someone accesses information without permission, starting with a security breach and culminating in the exposure or theft of data. The emphasis is on unauthorized access to personal information.
- Data Breach: Essentially synonymous with privacy breach, referring to incidents where protected computer networks are breached, leading to the exposure or theft of data, including personally identifiable information.
2. Privacy Risks and Information Control:
- Privacy Risks: Associated with the rights individuals have to control their personal information and how it is utilized.
- Information Locations: Personal information resides in various places, such as government agencies, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, social network platforms, and more.
3. Privacy Breach and Data Breach Similarities:
- Cybercriminal Targets: Organizations holding personal data are prime targets for cybercriminals, who exploit this information for crimes like identity theft or selling on the dark web.
- Prevention Challenge: Little can be done to prevent privacy and data breaches entirely, as the security of personal information often lies in the hands of others.
4. Tips to Protect Yourself After a Privacy Breach:
- Password Management: Emphasizes the use of strong, unique passwords for online accounts, suggesting tools like Norton Password Manager.
- Financial Account Monitoring: Regularly checking financial accounts for unfamiliar activities and opting for activity alerts.
- Credit Report Checks: Regularly checking credit reports for signs of identity theft and utilizing the free annual credit reports legally available.
- Prompt Action: Taking swift action upon detecting suspicious activities in credit reports or bank statements, with credit cards offering stronger protection.
- Smartphone Security: Implementing measures like strong PINs, biometric locks, and regular updates to secure smartphones.
- Website Security: Using secure URLs (https://) to protect personal information when entering it online.
- Security Software: Advocating for high-quality security software, such as Norton Security, with malware and virus protection.
- Social Media Caution: Advising against oversharing on social media to prevent the combination of personal information from privacy breaches with details shared online.
- Identity Theft Protection: Recommending identity theft protection or credit monitoring services, highlighting Norton Security with LifeLock as an example.
This insightful guide not only distinguishes between privacy breach and data breach but also provides practical tips for individuals to safeguard their personal information in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Cybersecurity tools like Norton Security with LifeLock are positioned as essential elements in this ongoing battle against cyber threats.
