In the News
Another cellular carrier has been hit with a data breach. In Boost Mobile Alerts Customers of Security Incident, Kacy Zurkus at InfoSecurity Magazine discusses Boost Mobile’s response to suspicious third-party activity on their customers’ accounts. Zurkus explains that Boost contacted those impacted and requested customers change their passwords and PINs in addition to using complex PIN combinations instead of your ‘1234’ or single number sequence.
Our Take
Cellular carriers have had an unfortunate string of data breach and security flaw incidents in recent years. Almost everyone has a cell phone these days with most of them being smartphones. This broad audience makes cellular carriers a target for malicious attackers hoping to steal user information and potentially financial information. Boost’s decision to inform its customers of the reality of the incident and provide actions steps to mitigate risk is crucial in ensuring customer transparency. However, not all consumers act accordingly to company suggesting. Making sure that you update your password, PIN, or account information if urged by a company is necessary to protect yourself against the dangers of credential exposure. Boost’s statement reminding users to create more complex PINs is a universal recommendation. Across all accounts that you have, you should always create the more secure barrier to your information by creating complex login requirements.
Recommendations
How can you protect the privacy of your personal information?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Use safe password practices, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible
- Utilize additional security/privacy measures and settings on apps, accounts, and platforms whenever possible
- Stay up to date on the news regarding recent data breaches and exposures to see if you may have been affected