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Like brushing your teeth and washing your face

The data we send to the outside world using the internet can be compared to a bird we release into the sky — unprotected from wind and predators. Even if you’re not a Hollywood star, unauthorized access to your data can damage your reputation or drain your bank account.

Whether you’re just starting to think about online safety or have already faced data leaks, there are two important things to know. First, there are effective ways to protect your personal information.  Second, online security is not a magic button — it’s an ongoing habit. Like brushing your teeth or washing your face, it requires regular attention.

Below we’ll discuss what data can leak, why it happens, and simple but effective ways to protect yourself.

What data can leak and how it can affect you

The most common types of personal and sensitive data at risk include:

First and last name. This information can be used for identity theft and fraud.

Living address. Criminals can use it to commit burglary or other property crimes.

Phone number and email address. These are often targeted for spam, phishing, and scam calls aimed at stealing money or access to accounts.

Passwords and accounts. If compromised, attackers can gain access to messages, finances, and personal data.

Bank account and card details. Leaks can result in direct financial loss and fraud.

The most common causes of data breaches

Phishing

Phishing is one of the most widespread attack methods. Hackers use email, messengers, and social networks to send fake links or clone real websites with minimal visual differences.

Victims are lured with promises like prizes, exclusive access, or free products. After clicking a link, users may be asked to enter card details or passwords. Most such emails end up in spam, but some still reach the inbox.

Malware

Attackers use malicious software — viruses, worms, and Trojans — to steal data without the user’s knowledge.

A common example is a keylogger, which records every keystroke and transmits login credentials and passwords to criminals.

Suspicious sites

Fraudsters often send links that lead to visually convincing copies of real services (delivery payments, online stores, etc.). Entering your data on such sites gives attackers exactly what they need.

Mistakes and hacks

Sometimes data leaks occur due to mistakes or breaches on the company side — wrong recipients, insecure databases, or successful cyberattacks. This risk can never be fully eliminated.

Email addresses

Email is the most common entry point for attackers. Gaining access to your mailbox often means access to everything else.

Minimum digital hygiene starts with reliable email providers (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, Yandex), but only encrypted email services with end-to-end encryption can can truly protect message contents.

Tips on additional protection

Two-factor authentication (2FA): login plus a one-time code.

Backup email address: for account recovery.

Trusted IP addresses: block access from unknown locations.

Avoid storing all work emails, registrations, and personal correspondence in one place. Using multiple services reduces the risk of losing everything at once.

Privacy settings in social networks

Social networks often store years of messages, photos, files, and videos. With default settings, much of this data may be visible to strangers.

From social media alone, attackers can learn:

• when you’re not home,
•  your apartment layout,
•  your child’s school,
•  your pet’s name (often used as a security question).

Review privacy settings regularly. Decide what is public, friends-only, or private. Disable profile searches by phone number if possible.

Protect yourself from web tracking

Browsers share a lot of information about you. Incognito mode doesn’t stop tracking — specialized tools are required.
Basic steps you can take:

• Delete browser cache,
• Clear cookies, 
• Clean browsing history regularly.

Cookies help sites remember you, but they also enable tracking. Periodic cleanup improves privacy.

Do not click on hyperlinks

Fraudsters pressure users with “limited-time” offers to force rushed decisions. These links often lead to fake versions of popular stores asking for card details.

Always:

• Check the sender,
• Examine the link carefully — the difference may be just one letter,
• Avoid urgency-driven actions.

As a rule, in such schemes you are forced to do everything immediately — the more you will be in a hurry, the more likely it is that you will lose your vigilance. Always pay attention to the source of the message and the address of the links — the difference with the real one can be one letter.

Do not use third-party Wi-Fi networks

Attackers can create fake Wi‑Fi networks disguised as shopping mall or subway hotspots. These networks can intercept sensitive data, including banking credentials.

Even official public Wi‑Fi often has weak security. Avoid accessing financial or personal accounts on such networks.

Get a separate card for online payments

Create a bank card with a limited balance for online shopping. Do not use:

• payroll cards,
• high-limit credit cards,
• savings cards.

Online stores and delivery services are frequent attack targets. Even if fraud occurs, losses will be minimal.

Additional steps:

• Set spending limits in your banking app,
• Enable push notifications for all transactions,
• Use virtual cards designed specifically for online payments.

Don’t ignore the privacy policy

Websites are required to disclose what data they collect and how it’s used. Most users accept policies without reading them, but these documents matter — especially for unfamiliar services.

Delete inactive accounts

Unused accounts are easy targets. If compromised, they can expose personal data or be used to access other services. Delete accounts you no longer use..

Keep your software up to date

Outdated software often contains known vulnerabilities. Updates provide:

• security patches,
• bug fixes,
• improved protection.

Old programs are more susceptible to viruses, which can spread to other devices and users.

Once again: give up on weak passwords

Never reuse the same password across accounts. Use password generators to create unique passwords for each account to prevent credential theft.

Enhance protection with:

• secret questions,
• SMS or app-based codes,
• biometric authentication (face or fingerprint).

Stay up-to-date on cybersecurity news

Following cybersecurity news helps you understand new attack methods and avoid common mistakes. Learning from others’ experiences can prevent serious problems.