Should I care about JPN Database Leak? Should I? In this post, I will write some information on why we should worry about JPN Database Leak.
The database leak was originally revealed by Twitter user Adnan Mohd Shukor, who is an intrusion analyst, according to Lowyat.NET. The information is available for sale on “database sharing and marketplace forum.” The website can only be accessed bu utilising a VPN.
“Malaysia citizen data fresh from Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN), leaked via hasil.gov.my via myIDENTITY API,” according to the forum post, which was made on September 24.
“Total data is over 4 million, equal to 31.8GB, and is organised by birth year from 1998 to 1979.”
myIDENTITIY is the government’s data-sharing portal that is accessible to JPN, the Inland Revenue Department (LHDN), the Election Commission (EC), and the Road Transport Department, among others.
What’s the Big Deal?
A data breach increases the chances that your personal information may fall into the hands of the bad guys.
Social Security numbers
New account fraud is possible in breaches where Social Security numbers are exposed. When a criminal uses your Social Security information to create a line of credit and then goes on a spending binge, this is known as new account fraud.
Credit and debit card numbers
A criminal might perform existing account fraud using your credit or debit card number. Existing account fraud occurs when a thief utilises your bank account information to incur debt in your name.
Names and email addresses
You might be a victim of a phishing attack if you provide this seemingly benign information. Phishing attack occurs when a criminal sends you an email that appears to be from a firm with whom you have an account because it addresses you by name. The email will attempt to persuade you to “bite” on the bait and visit that website, where you will be asked for personal information such as your Social Security number and credit card number. Identity theft might then occur.
How to Secure Your Data?
Apply software updates
When problems and vulnerabilities are discovered, software companies frequently provide updates to fix them. So, don’t put off software updates, particularly those for operating systems. Outdated software may still include security issues that expose you to a data or privacy breach.
Protect passwords
One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from digital invasion is to use strong passwords and never use the same password across sites or devices. Secure your phone with a secure password and a fingerprint or Touch ID.
Keep your internet browsing to yourself
If you use public free WiFi hotspots, utilise a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your personal information from others who may be using the same unprotected public network. Just make sure the VPN service is trustworthy and one you can rely on to keep your privacy safe. In addition to protecting your browsing data, the VPN will encrypt any data arriving to or leaving your computer or phone, as well as conceal your location.
Monitor access and activity
There are several reasons to track Windows user behaviour, including monitoring your children’s internet activity, preventing unwanted access, boosting security, and limiting insider risks. Check your web history and open Windows Events to track all user activity on your computer can give you an insight into unusual activities.
Be responsible with your documents
It’s recommended to keep documents with sensitive personal information in a locked file cabinet or safe at home. When you no longer require these records, dispose of them properly.
There are always dangers in the world. In most circumstances, we can quickly detect these threats and, to some extent, avoid or lessen their chance instinctively. We are natural risk-takers, but only if we understand what is at stake and how it might affect us. Just be aware of whatever you post on social media. Yes, you can post everything you want but not your private personal information. Are you sure that no one is really interested in a passport, marriage certificates, house deeds and medical records? It’s easy to believe that nothing awful will happen, but it’s always better to be cautious. Reducing posting sensitive information is a good way to limit your personal risk and reduce your chances of being a target.
Credit: SAYS , UpGuard , The Boss Magazine , Irmi , Access Now
