Identity Theft Isn’t a Hacking Problem, It’s a Data Problem - Here’s How to Fix It
When we think of cybersecurity threats, we often focus on hackers and malware. However, the reality is that identity theft is more closely tied to data problems than hacking issues. At its core, identity thieves rely on personal information to steal your identity or trick you into giving up even more sensitive details.
The problem lies in the fact that our personal information is readily available online, and a thriving data broker industry has built around its collection and sale. To combat identity theft, we need to understand how this data economy enables it.
What Data Do Identity Thieves Actually Need?
To protect yourself from identity theft, it's essential to grasp what sensitive data points are most vulnerable to exploitation. This information can be organized into a pyramid, with each tier representing the risk level:
- Your Social Security number (SSN) - this is often publicly available online and can be easily obtained through various means.
- Personal details from social media posts or personal websites and blogs - these are often shared unknowingly by individuals, making them accessible to identity thieves.
- Data breaches and leaked information - companies that experience data breaches may leak your personal info to the dark web, which is then sold to data brokers and people search sites.
The more places your personal information lives online, the higher the risk of it being exposed. Companies can sell this information to data brokers and people search sites without experiencing a breach. This means that even with robust cybersecurity measures in place, your personal info can still be compromised if you're not careful.
How Do You Protect Yourself?
Since identity thieves rely on data, the best thing you can do is limit their access to your personal information. Here are some steps you can take:
- Treat data exposure as a security risk - being vigilant and proactive means taking control of your online presence.
- Monitor your online activity regularly - check for any suspicious accounts or unusual activity on your social media profiles, credit reports, and financial accounts.
- Invest in data removal services - companies like Incogni can help you remove your personal info from the internet by packaging it into a secure profile and then removing it altogether.
- Send removal requests to data brokers - if you suspect you've fallen victim to identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov for official recovery resources and support. You can also send removal requests to data brokers directly to have your information removed from their databases.
In a world where data privacy laws are still evolving, it's up to each of us to take responsibility for protecting our personal information online. By being proactive, monitoring your online activity closely, and taking steps to limit your exposure to sensitive data points, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft.