November 7, 2024

In today’s digital age, it’s hard to imagine life without our smartphones, tablets, and computers. These internet-enabled devices keep us connected to loved ones and allow us to easily order meals, book rides, pay bills, and so much more. However, while these devices offer immense convenience, they also make it easier for cybercriminals to access our personal information. With the continuous rise of cyber threats, staying safe online is more important than ever before.

According to Forbes, data breaches surged by 72% between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, FBI data reveals that global losses from online scams skyrocketed from $3.5 billion in 2019 to a staggering $12.5 billion in 2023. Cybercriminals aren’t just after our personal information or financial data. They’re also targeting large organizations, including government agencies and companies, that store sensitive data about individuals.

Cybersecurity Breaches and Data Leaks

On August 16, both The New York Times and The Washington Post reported a significant data breach involving National Public Data (NPD), a company responsible for storing personal information used in background checks. NPD confirmed that sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, was compromised. While details about the breach remain limited, the full impact is still uncertain. NPD advises consumers to monitor their financial accounts closely and to set up fraud alerts with major credit bureaus.

In early September, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a 2023 data breach that exposed personal and health-related data. The breach affected protected health information, Medicare claims data, and personally identifiable information. Apparently, the breach stemmed from a vulnerability in software used by Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS), a CMS contractor.

Although the vulnerability was quickly addressed, hackers managed to access and copy files before the fix was implemented. CMS and WPS are now notifying affected individuals through mailed letters, providing steps for protecting personal information moving forward.

Staying Safe Online: Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Cybersecurity Awareness Month was first established in 2004 by the National Cyber Security Division of the Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the National Cyber Security Alliance. Now in its 21st year, October 2024 marks another milestone in raising awareness about online safety.

This annual initiative is a joint effort between government agencies and private organizations to educate the public about cybersecurity. It encourages internet users to minimize their online security risks and fosters discussion on both national and global cyber threats. Discover more about Cybersecurity Awareness Month and how you can safeguard your digital life.

How to Create a Strong Password

With recent cyberattacks on the rise, now is the perfect time to strengthen your online passwords. Here are some essential tips to enhance your password security:

Use 12+ Characters: The longer, the better. Aim for at least 12 characters, but 16 or more is even safer.
Mix Characters: Create a strong password by combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters like @, #, or $. This makes it harder for hackers to crack.
Avoid Common Words: Stay away from easily guessable information such as names, birthdates, or simple phrases like “password123.” Use random combinations instead.
Try Passphrases: Use a sequence of random words, numbers, and symbols. For example, “BlueElephant$#74Fly” is secure yet memorable. Passphrases offer longer, stronger protection.
Regular Updates: Change your passwords regularly, especially for sensitive accounts such as banking and healthcare.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection by using MFA. This requires a second form of verification, like a texted code, alongside your password.
Avoid Reusing Passwords: Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts. A breach on one site could give attackers access to your other platforms.

Utilizing a Password Management System

If managing multiple unique passwords feels overwhelming, consider using a password manager to streamline the process. A password manager securely stores, organizes, and generates strong passwords for your online accounts. You only need to remember one strong “master” password, and the manager will autofill your login credentials when needed.

Here’s why a password manager is beneficial:

Strong, Unique Passwords: Password managers generate complex, hard-to-crack passwords for each account, helping you avoid the risky habit of reusing passwords across platforms.
Convenience: Forget the hassle of remembering passwords or writing them down. A password manager stores them securely, reducing the chance of security breaches from weak password practices.
Advanced Security and Encryption: Reputable password managers use robust encryption to protect your stored data, ensuring that your credentials remain safe even if your device is compromised.

Popular password managers like LastPass, Dashlane, 1Password, and Bitwarden offer features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), secure password sharing, and dark web monitoring to alert you if your information is exposed online.

Additional Cybersecurity Considerations

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an ideal opportunity to assess and improve your online security practices, especially for seniors. Creating strong, unique passwords or using a password manager can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. In today’s increasingly digital world, taking proactive steps to protect personal information is crucial.

For seniors, safeguarding sensitive data is particularly important, as cybercriminals often target older adults. If you have concerns about online safety or need to report a cyber issue, visit the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) website. Additionally, consulting an experienced elder law or estate planning attorney can help you understand the legal implications of cyber threats and provide guidance tailored to your personal circumstances.

For additional reading on cybersecurity and estate planning, check out the following articles:

Bromlow Law, PLLC and Laura L. Bromlow, are dedicated to the practice of Elder Law and Estate Planning. Our practice focuses solely on working with clients in these and closely related legal fields. Laura L. Bromlow is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with the National Elder Law Foundation. Bromlow Law, PLLC strives to enhance communication among family members and loved ones and to keep them all out of conflict so they can stay out of court. We want to help you keep your close circle safe!

Please contact our office today at (281) 665-3807 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal matters. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.