Everyday objects that can lead to identity theft
π€π° Everyday items that can lead to identity theft π°π€ You wouldn't think a child's toy could leak your personal data. But it happens all the time (e.g. unwiped phones you handed over to your kids to play with).
π€π° Everyday items that can lead to identity theft π°π€
You wouldn't think a child's toy could leak your personal data. But it happens all the time (e.g. unwiped phones you handed over to your kids to play with). And what about your trash bin? It's a treasure trove for identity thieves. Many everyday items can lead to identity theft. They're often overlooked because people focus on their computers and cloud accounts. Strong passwords matter, and so does running antivirus on your computer β or, even better, a comprehensive EDR. But you also have to watch the other ways attackers and thieves can reach your personal information. Here are six common things criminals can use to steal your data.
π± Old smartphones π±
The average person changes smartphone roughly every two and a half years. That's a lot of old phones lying around full of personal data. Just think about all the information our phones hold β synced connections to cloud services, banking apps, business apps, personal-health apps. All neatly stored in one little device.
π¨οΈ Wireless printers π¨οΈ
Most printers are wireless these days. That means they're part of your home or work network. Printing from another room is convenient β but the fact that the printer is connected to the internet can put your data at risk. Printers can store sensitive documents (tax forms, contracts). Most people don't think of printer security when rolling out data protection, exposing themselves to attack. Protect your printers by keeping their firmware up to date and turning the printer off when you're not using it.
πΎ USB drives πΎ
Have you ever come across a USB drive lying around? Maybe you're a good Samaritan and want to return it to the rightful owner β but first you have to look at what's on it to find them. You should never plug a USB of unknown origin into your computer. It's an old hacker trick: drop malware-laden drives in public as bait. The moment you plug it in, you're infected.
π½ Old hard drives π½
When you're getting rid of an old computer or drive, make sure it's clean. Just deleting files isn't enough. System and program files on a computer's drives can hold additional personal data. If you plan to reuse the drive, have it professionally wiped by an IT specialist. If you don't, take it apart and physically scratch or destroy the platter.
ποΈ Trash bins and Wi-Fi-connected Barbies π§Έ π
Identity thieves aren't only online β they can also walk through the neighbourhood on bin day. Watch what you throw out. It isn't unusual for trash to enable identity theft. A shredder can be your best friend here. Shred any documents containing personal data and sensitive information before throwing them out. That step alone can save you from an expensive, painful situation.
π§Έ Internet-connected kids' devices π§Έ
Electronic teddy bears, smart watches for kids, Wi-Fi Barbies β all toys that attackers love. Studies have shown that Mattel's Hello Barbie enables identity theft. These futuristic toys are often what kids ask for. Parents may think they're cool but don't think about their security. After all, they're kids' toys. Be wary of every new internet-connected device you bring home β toys included! Install all firmware updates. And do your homework: check whether a data breach has hit any toy you already own.
πͺ Don't take it lightly πͺ
Even though some of the methods above sound funny, they shouldn't be taken lightly β so we recommend reviewing your home security today. If you need help with the much more complex challenge of corporate security, contact us through the link in the comments. P.S. If a toy needs to connect to your Wi-Fi, we recommend setting up a separate, isolated network for it.