R. Barrichello, the former driver of Formula 1 and now the Non-Executive Director at tech company SOFTSWISS, could become a victim of a phishing cyberattack on personal data from the FIA, which oversees global motorsports like Formula 1. While Barrichello wasn't a direct victim, his connection to the association underscores the need for vigilance. Reflecting on this, Evgeny Zaretskov, the Group Chief Information Security Officer at SOFTSWISS, advises crucial steps to protect the personal data of his colleague R. Barrichello and other possible cyberattack victims.
Steps to Take if Your Data is Compromised:
- Identify Stolen Data and Stay Informed. Determine which personal data was compromised and monitor updates from the affected company. Commonly stolen data includes email addresses, passwords, names, phone numbers, postal addresses, bank card details, and Social Security Numbers. Act quickly within the first 72 hours of the leak, as this period is critical in mitigating potential damage.
- Change Exposed Credentials Immediately change any compromised email addresses and passwords.If you've used the same password on multiple sites, update all of them to ensure security.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication Use 2FA on all accounts to add an extra layer of security. This makes it more difficult for attackers to access your accounts, even if they have your email address or password.
- Monitor Your Accounts Keep an eye on your accounts for any unusual activity, such as new purchases, password changes, or logins from unfamiliar locations.
- Protect Financial Data If your payment information is compromised, request your bank to block or replace your card to prevent unauthorised transactions.
Prevent Future Data Leaks: Use strong passwords and set up multi-factor authentication.Keep your software up to date.Regularly create data backups.Update your email address book.Avoid visiting unsecured websites.Check access controls regularly.When using services, try using only reputable and well-known resources, as these companies take data security very seriously. However, data breaches can occur anywhere, so it's essential to remain vigilant.