In today’s digital age, data privacy is essential

At BKB we understand that data privacy is critical to safeguarding the online independence of both our clients and our team alike. Securing a digital footprint ensures a safer and more respectful digital world. Data privacy protects preferences, interests, and identity from exploitation. Safeguarding data has a direct impact on our ability to build a trustworthy space for everyone online. It cannot be ignored.  The following excerpt is from BKB Partner, Maryia Jones, who shares her thoughts on how to implement simple strategies to safeguard your data and online accounts:

“I handle a lot of matters arising from the unauthorized transfer of digital assets.  These cases have a common denominator: a customer whose assets get stolen after the customer fails to secure the credentials for accessing their account.  There is a plethora of different attack vectors that the perpetrators use to exploit victims, but the most common ones include SIM swaps/phone ports where the attacker gains control of the customer’s phone number which then gives the attacker access to the person’s SMS messages, email, and other proprietary data; and social engineering where the attacker tricks the customer into clicking on a link or sharing their access credentials which in turn gives the attacker access to the customer's account.  

“While it is almost impossible to prevent fraudsters from attempting these types of attacks, you can take steps to minimize the risk of the attacks being successful.” 

While it is almost impossible to prevent fraudsters from attempting these types of attacks, you can take steps to minimize the risk of the attacks being successful. You can protect your cell phone from a SIM swap by using the additional security features offered by most mobile carriers to combat this type of fraud. You can lower the risk of social engineering by paying close attention to the sender’s email address, and refraining from clicking on suspicious or unexpected links, and knowing that your financial institution will never ask you to share your access credentials over the phone.  However, we are not perfect.  Frequently, we are in a rush.  We get too many emails, messages, and phone calls. One hasty click on a fraudulent link is all it takes for an attacker to gain access to your data.

The gold standard of data security that my clients recommend to their customers (and that I use) is a security key. A security key is a physical device that can be plugged into your phone or your computer. You can set your account to require that the security key must always be used to access your account.  This way, even if the hacker gains access to your login and password information, they will not be able to access your account without the physical key.” 

Trial Tested, Client Driven | #DataPrivacy #BKB