Pirated companies: how can their customers protect themselves?

There is not a week without a new cyber attack against a company or an institution making the headlines. In 2024, major brands like Cultura, Auchan, Dell, Speedy France and large groups like Free or Direct Insurance were victims of data flight following major cyber attacks. Local communities, administrations, health establishments and ministries have not been spared either: CAF, France Labor, the Nantes University Hospital, the Government of New Caledonia … and the list is still long. And that is without counting all SMEs that are particularly targeted, because more vulnerable.

According to Microsoft, the number of attacks in 2024 increased by 20 % compared to the previous year. And phishing attacks increased by 58 % in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the sad record of 1.76 billion fraudulent url sent, which does not bode well for the years to come.

Of course, it is possible to protect yourself with a good antivirus, but if your data has been stolen from a company with whom you had an account, you will not be able to do anything.

What happens if my data is stolen?

When a customer data is stolen, the consequences may be serious. Cybercriminals can use this information to commit various forms of fraud, such asidentity theft or financial scamsand throw phishing campaigns intended to deceive the victims and to extract money from them in one way or another.

Furthermore, this data can be broadcast on the Dark Webillegal forums or platforms, where they are often sold or overcome with other information from other compromised databases. In accordance with the GDPR, the company in charge of data protection must quickly notify the competent authorities, such as the CNIL in France, and inform affected customers so that they can take the necessary measures, as Change their passwords or monitor their bank accounts.

What if my data is stolen?

If you are one of the unfortunate customers of one of these attacked companies, several actions can be carried out to minimize the risks. First of all, it is crucial to Immediately change the passwords of your online accounts in order to limit unauthorized access. You will also need carefully monitor your bank accounts To detect any suspicious activity or inform your advisor to make increased monitoring.

It is especially advisable to be vigilant when receiving suspicious electronic communications, whether phishing (by email) or Smishing (by SMS), aimed at obtaining more personal information or to carry a more lucrative and more targeted attack. To help you recognize phishing emails and protect yourself better, you will find many tips in the following article: Phishing emails are becoming more and more credible thanks to AI, how to protect yourself?

What are the tools to install to protect me?

Norton 360 Deluxe

The asset of Norton 360 Deluxe against data theft, it is its tool to Dark Web Monitoring. It is a surveillance system for this free internet where all the information can circulate without moderation, without indexing (or almost) and without control. It is generally in this place of exchange, sheltered from authorities and looks, that the data stolen by hackers circulate and are sold to the most offender.

Thanks to theNorton 360 Deluxe Dark Monitoring Dark Monitoring Monitoring toolyou are alerted if your contact details, your name and other personal information (which you will have previously informed in the security suite) circulate there. You can then take the necessary measures as quickly as possible.

Of course, Norton 360 Deluxe has many other protective features for your privacy and your equipment. He joined a VPN to secure your web browsingA password managera module of Monitoring your webcamA parental control and of course a antivirus Who watches in real time that no virus and other malware infect your computer.

Avast Premium Security

Avast Premium Security offers a different system to manage the situation of stolen data. This security series Monitor your email account and alert you in the event of identifier leaks and hacking passwords. Whether it's phishing or many messages to recover forgotten or lost passwords, the system alerts you. You can then change the password associated with your webmail (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) in order to block any attempt at identity theft.

Avast Premium Security also provides you with its Award -winning antivirus and its surveillance tools Who provide your confidentiality on the Internet and secure your online purchases.