Protect your digital identity: Follow these tips to avoid threats

Logical consequence of big datadata leaks reach proportions never before observed in France, going so far as to target government institutions. Latest victim: France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) potentially jeopardized the personal data of 43 million individuals. But then, if we cannot protect ourselves, how can we remedy these exfiltrations? Knowing how to develop the right reflexes and investing in a competent security suite like Norton 360 can help better protect your data in the event of a leak.

The recent cyberattack on France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) jeopardized the personal data of 43 million individuals, including current and former job seekers, as well as others registered on the site. The compromised information includes critical elements such as first and last names, dates of birth, social security numbers, France Travail identifiers, and contact details. In response, France Travail encouraged those affected to remain vigilant in the face of suspicious communications and to file a complaint with specialized authorities, emphasizing that passwords and banking details were not included in the leak.

Faced with this major violation, a preliminary investigation was launched by the Paris prosecutor’s office, with the CNIL also conducting its own investigations. Although this attack appears to be an isolated incident, it is reminiscent of previous cyberattacks, such as those targeting the Viamedis and Almerys mutual societies, which affected as many as 33 million citizens.

Understand the risks

These events are not isolated but part of a growing global trend of data breaches, highlighting the need for each of us to understand the risks associated with digital life.

Cyberattacks, in their diversity, often aim to capture personal data such as names, email addresses, dates of birth, and even financial information. When such information falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be disastrous. Cybercriminals can use this newly acquired information to commit fraud, identity theft, or even sell it on the Dark Web, where there are many forums that act as veritable black markets for data.

In addition to the immediate financial risks, a cyberattack can have long-term repercussions for victims. Identity restoration can be a long and complicated process, with no guarantee of a return to normal. Loss of trust in affected institutions can also have a significant social impact, decreasing public trust in essential digital services.

It is therefore imperative to understand that cybersecurity is not just a corporate or government responsibility, it begins with the individual. Every Internet user must be aware of threats and adopt responsible behavior to protect their own data. This starts with simple measures, like creating strong, unique passwords, but extends to more advanced practices like enabling multi-factor authentication on every possible account.

The fundamentals of data security

In today’s world of growing digital threats, understanding and applying the fundamentals of data security is essential for every internet user. Here are key strategies to strengthen the protection of your personal data.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more forms of verification before accessing their accounts. This process may include something you know (like a password), something you have (like a cell phone), or something you are (like a fingerprint). Enabling MFA on all your online accounts makes it much more difficult for cybercriminals to access your information, even if they discover your password.

Password best practices

Passwords are often the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your data. It is crucial to use strong passwords, unique for each account, to avoid cross-access in the event of a service breach. A strong password should contain a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols, and have a minimum length of 12 characters. Using a password manager can help you create and remember complex passwords for all your accounts without compromising security. Although a strong password won’t protect you from a data leak, it will be of paramount importance in the event of a brute force attack.

Norton 360 Advanced, the data theft protection and remediation toolkit

Norton 360 Advanced provides significant additional help here. Beyond its antivirus, the performance of which is no longer in doubt, Norton offers a suite of services intended to secure your digital identity and your devices.

Help with identity restoration

In case of identity theft, Norton 360 Advanced provides support service. This includes help from specialists to guide users through the often complex process of recovering their identity.

Dark Web Monitoring

Norton 360 Advanced Dark Web Monitoring Service continuously scans the dark corners of the Internet where stolen personal information is often sold or traded. If your data appears on the Dark Web, you will receive an alert allowing you to act quickly to protect your identity. You can then add other information to Dark Web Monitoring for monitoring, including your phone number, credit card numbers, insurance account numbers, etc.

Award-winning device security

The suite provides industry-leading protection for your devices against various threats, such as malware, ransomware and phishing attacks, ensuring that your personal data remains secure and inaccessible to cybercriminals. Norton’s reputation on the subject is no longer to be proven, the solution enjoying the best detection score according to the test laboratory AV-Comparatives.

VPN for online privacy

To complete the protection, Norton 360 Advanced includes a VPN that secures and anonymizes your Internet connection, protecting your data from prying eyes, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

Put security into practice with Norton 360 Advanced

Taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity is crucial today. Norton 360 Advanced makes this easier by offering intuitive and powerful tools to secure your data and devices.

Daily Use and Best Practices

Once installed, Norton 360 Advanced works quietly in the background, protecting you without interrupting your daily activities. However, regular interaction can improve your level of security:

• Check security alerts regularly : Norton will notify you of attempted breaches and other security issues. Take these alerts seriously and follow the recommendations provided.
• Perform regular scans : Although Norton monitors your system in real time, running manual scans can help detect threats that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
• Enable VPN : Use Norton VPN, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks, to secure your online activity and maintain your privacy. To go further, activate the Kill Switch which will automatically disconnect you if the connection with the VPN is lost.
• Update your devices : Norton 360 Advanced can help you identify obsolete applications, possible entry points for attacks. Keep your system and software up to date to avoid vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals.

By following these steps and adopting best practices, you strengthen your defense against cyberthreats. Norton 360 Advanced is designed to give you peace of mind, allowing you to browse, interact and work securely online.