Hello, are you familiar with what Maya Fisher French wrote in her Maya on Money column? She explains why we really should be paranoid. The most recent large-scale data breach in South Africa is frightening enough to make anyone afraid to even answer a phone call.
• Be prudent: If someone calls you suddenly and says "pay now" or "urgent," don't be quick to react.
• Verify the story: Ask questions. Hang up, and then get the number you know is real.
• Protect your info: Use strong passwords, and where available, 2-step authentication. Be very careful who you give PII to.
• Be informed: There is usually news about data breaches or individual locations being impacted. You need to stay updated on current events and major data breach for the time being.
If you would rather not be an easy target, then treat your information like gold. Be suspicious of telephone calls, guard your data, and remain vigilant.
Understanding Why This Breach Is Fearfull
Maya's main point is straightforward — criminals now have a trove of our personally identifiable information (PII) — names, addresses, and phone numbers that allow them to easily trick you. If they do call you, they very well may have already done their homework. That is not paranoia, that is called being prudent!How to Be Prudent About it Day Today
So, what does it mean to be "paranoid" when your aim is to be prudent in day-to-day life?• Be prudent: If someone calls you suddenly and says "pay now" or "urgent," don't be quick to react.
• Verify the story: Ask questions. Hang up, and then get the number you know is real.
• Protect your info: Use strong passwords, and where available, 2-step authentication. Be very careful who you give PII to.
• Be informed: There is usually news about data breaches or individual locations being impacted. You need to stay updated on current events and major data breach for the time being.
The Implications of this Data Breach
This is not just some error by an organization; breaches of big data happen regularly, and criminals use that acquired information to fool people. We are not simply bystanders — we are a target.My Experience
I sympathize with Maya. I, too, received a phone call that was believable — yes, they had my full name and my ID number. Still, something felt weird, so I hung up. Then, I put two and two together, and realized that stolen information could easily lend credibility to a scam.If you would rather not be an easy target, then treat your information like gold. Be suspicious of telephone calls, guard your data, and remain vigilant.
