In the News
Another tech company is recovery from a data breach. In Flipboard hacks prompt password resets for millions of users, Zack Whittaker at Techcrunch discusses how the platform Flipboard is reacting after discovering their network and customer data had been breached on numerous occasions this past year. Whittaker explains that the company has forced customer password resets because password and other account information was exposed. Whittaker elaborates that Flipboard was securing its data with an outdated system for a portion of the breach period and that the specific number of affected customers has not been disclosed.
Our Take
The reality of frequent data breaches at companies with hundreds of millions of daily users is unfortunate and problematic. With so many incidents of data breaches in the news, it is easy to become desensitized to the damage that such breaches can inflict. However, it is crucial to demand prudence from companies is prioritizing the privacy of customer data. This includes using the most up to date systems for encryption and data storage on the corporate side. Additionally, each new story of a recent data breach should serve as a reminder of the need to protect your data with strong and unique passwords, conscious information sharing on online accounts, and know how to react if your information is exposed.
Recommendations
How can you protect the privacy of your personal account 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
- Comply with company requests to update your accounts, their passwords, or any operating system
- Stay up to date on the news regarding recent data breaches and exposures to see if you may have been affected