How Widespread Breaches Like Capital One Can Put You More At Risk

A recent data breach put 100 million Capital One credit card applications and account information at risk. That means people’s names, addresses, credit scores, credit limits, balances, and other pertinent information is now ripe for the taking, and may be used in criminal behavior in the future.

It happens enough that we almost don’t care. We see it, think “hmmm,” and then move on with our busy lives.

There isn’t much you can do about it anyway. Why worry?

Events like Equifax have made it perfectly clear that breaches aren’t worth that much to you - $125 is the going rate for your data being a part of an attack.

But is that really all it’s worth? Or is there more to it than that?

When your data is breached, it’s true; you can’t go back. What’s done is done.

But it is important how you move forward. Once the compromised data is out there, criminals have access, and they can use it against you.

First, they can try and get even more information from you.

Few of us fall for scam emails where they promise if you send in a few thousand dollars, they’ll send you several million.

But what if those emails get more sophisticated? What if they look like they’re from Capital One, for example? We’re so sorry, they say. We know your credit score of “XXX” has been compromised and we’re here to help. Just click here and fill out this form.

That’s a little more believable, right?

When the email knows things about you, it calls you by name, mentions things a little more personal than what a criminal should know, why not click?

And from there, the damage escalates.

Of course, that’s not the only way data can be used. They have Social Security information, birth dates, address, and other pertinent information. Why not set up phony accounts? Why not use them for prescriptions, medical purchases, or other types of fraud? The possibilities are endless. And they don’t have to jump on it now. They can linger weeks, months, and then use this personalized information to do all kinds of activity.

It can impact you personally if you or a family member happens to click. It can impact your patient data if an employee clicks at work. It can impact future business if someone uses fraudulent information to get medical services they aren’t entitled to.

How did the Capital One breach impact you?

Have you taken the steps necessary to protect your own data from harm and attack?

For IT Strategy, Cloud Conversion, or Help Desk Services reach out to us at Silver Linings Technology 360-450-4759.