Summer is flying by and before you know it, you’ll be buying backpacks and taking first-day-of-school photos. Back-to-school season brings new classes and friends, but it also brings new digital dangers. By the time you’ve dropped your kids off for their first day of class, chances are they’ve already been exposed to their first cyberthreat of the day. New devices, new online accounts, and relaxed summer screen habits could make your children vulnerable to a slew of online threats.

Numbers you need to know

For most kids, especially teenagers, being online is a big part of daily life. From scrolling through TikTok and watching YouTube videos to chatting with friends and gaming, 46% of teens say they’re online “almost constantly.” Cybercriminals know this and are always looking for opportunities to cash in on your kids’ online activity. Threats like social media phishing have skyrocketed from 18.9% to 42.8%. Some of these scams are directly aimed at children, including a rash of fake school emails designed to steal sensitive personal information. Since more than 80% of data breaches start with stolen passwords, it’s more important than ever that your children use strong passwords that are difficult to crack. The good news? We’ve put together a digital safety checklist to help you boost your entire family’s cybersecurity in just one weekend.

Real-life risks in your child’s digital day

• Phishing & social engineering: Let’s say your teenage daughter gets a text that reads, “Your grades won’t post unless you verify your information now.” Or maybe she gets an email that asks for her student login to update her records. Phishing and social engineering scams use threats and a sense of urgency to get you to click links and share personal information. Make sure your kids know to question any sudden or unusual request, and always bring it to you for verification before taking any action.
  
• Gaming & app-related hazards: Your son’s gaming buddy asks to move their conversation to a private app. Seems harmless enough, but is this someone your son really knows? Gaming sites are often part of a child’s social life, and that’s exactly why they’re a popular place for scams. Kids get urged to make in-game purchases that run up mom and dad’s credit card bills. They get invites to unfamiliar apps and private chats that can lead to crimes like credit card theft and inappropriate contact with strangers. Scammers and predators often target kids through chat features and build trust so they can take advantage of them, both personally and financially. Remind your children that not everyone they meet online is who they say they are. For their safety, they should only trust the friends they actually know IRL (in real life).
  
• Social media dangers:
  
  • Oversharing personal information: Your child’s classmate screenshots a private message and shares it on social media. It’s a seemingly small act that can have lasting consequences, from public embarrassment to cyberbullying. One of the biggest perils of social media can be oversharing personal details. Location tracking and location tagging can expose sensitive information like addresses, schools and current locations. Talk with your kids about keeping private information private by being careful who they chat with and by using location sharing and tagging wisely.
    
  • Negative mental health effects: While there are many rewards to social media, excessive use can have a negative effect on your child’s mental health. Too much time spent scrolling can lead to social isolation, lack of sleep and lack of outdoor activity. Be sure to talk with you kids about creating healthy digital habits, which includes regular breaks from devices.
• Academic integrity issues: With AI use on the rise, it’s only fair to expect your kids will use ChatGPT or another AI tool to help with their homework. But it’s important to explain that while AI can be used to help them study, it shouldn’t do their work for them. As AI tools become more sophisticated, so do detection tools that identify plagiarism and other forms of cheating. The same goes for sharing homework or posting test answers online. Make sure your kids know that the consequences of cheating can include failing grades and disciplinary action at school. Encourage them to stay academically honest and try to offer to help them with their studies if they need it.
  
• Sextortion & online predators: The toughest topic to bring up with your children may be the most important one. Online predators are skilled at manipulation and tend to be very difficult to spot, especially for a child. Sextortion is a form of blackmail. It often occurs when an adult poses as a peer and builds an online relationship with a child. The scammer then pressures the child for private photos and information, which they can use for blackmail purposes. Even if a child has never shared a sexually explicit photo, they can still fall victim to sextortion. Recently, scammers have been using AI to transform an innocent photo of a child, usually taken from a social media profile, into a sexually explicit photo. They then use these very realistic photos to blackmail the victim. Have open conversations with your kids and encourage them to share details about any online relationships with you. Explain that you respect their privacy but need to have regular check-ins to keep them safe.

Your back-to-school digital security action plan

Want to secure your whole family’s digital life? Complete this back-to-school digital security checklist and use it to protect your entire household in under an hour.

Complete this weekend:

Install reputable antivirus software: Keep your family cyber safe by installing antivirus software on all devices. Webroot Total Protection offers comprehensive online security and protection for up to ten devices. It includes real-time monitoring to safeguard you from bank and credit card fraud and identity theft.

Enable automatic updates: Outdated software puts you and your family at risk for cyberfraud. Protect your important digital data by enabling automatic updates for all your apps, software and devices. This ensures you always have the latest security patches, and you can schedule updates to happen overnight, so they won’t interrupt your family’s screen time.

Create a strong Wi-Fi password: Every smart home device you have, from Nest thermostats to Ring doorbell cameras, connects to your Wi-Fi and creates an opportunity for hackers to break in. Be sure to lock down your home network by creating a strong  password for your router.
 
Set up encrypted connections: Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your personal information. Whether you’re at home or public Wi-Fi, Webroot Secure VPN provides encrypted connections for safe browsing and online transactions.

Create a backup system for schoolwork and important files: Keep all your homework, projects and other valuable files safe from online fraud with regular backups. Carbonite offers automatic, encrypted backups and unlimited cloud storage, giving you peace of mind that your digital data is always stored safely and easy to restore.
 
Monthly tasks (general):

Review and update passwords: Pick your child’s three most important passwords and update them together. Be sure to make them long and strong – nothing easy to guess like “12345”, “password”, or your pet’s name.

Check your child’s app downloads and permissions: Remove unnecessary apps and manage permissions to deny unwanted data sharing.

Review parental control settings: Review parental control settings on all devices and adjust as needed.
 
Elementary (6-10 years)

This week:

Set up strict parental controls: Make managing screen time and content access on all devices easy with Webroot Parental Controls. Whether your kids are playing Minecraft or chatting on Discord, it’s an easy way to keep them safe while giving them space. It even lets you tailor different levels of protection according to their ages.

Create a “safe list”: Make a list of parent-approved websites and apps for your kids.

Establish device-free homework zones and times: Create a digital detox zone in your home to disengage from all things digital – no texting, email or social media allowed!

Practice the “ask first” rule: Teach your kids to ask a parent before accessing any new downloads or websites

Ongoing:

Monitor all online activity: Always be aware of the games, apps and sites your child uses and anyone they are communicating with.

Keep devices in common areas: Limit online activity to spaces in your home where it’s easy to keep an eye on what your kids are doing.

Teach basic online “stranger danger”: Stranger danger is just as important for online interactions as it is for in-person encounters. Be sure your child knows the basics to keep them safe in all situations.
 
Middle school (11-13 years)

This week:

Set up password manager and teach them to use it: Strong, unique passwords are a simple, yet powerful security tool. Webroot solutions include password managers that store your credentials and credit card information and automatically fill in login information for you. Start using Webroot’s password manager with your kids and teach them how easy it is to generate secure passwords.

Configure social media privacy settings: Work together with your kids to create safe social media settings.

Establish screen time limits: Create screen time limits and stick to consequences if the agreement is broken.

Create a family media agreement with clear rules: Create a media-use contract together and be sure to include screen time, study time, and mental health breaks.

Ongoing:

Check-in regularly about online experiences: Establish a monthly check-in to discuss what they’re seeing and experiencing online.

Monitor friend lists and follower requests: Regularly check on and manage new friend and follower requests for your children. Instill in your children to not accept friend requests from anyone they do not know IRL.

Discuss oversharing risks: Remind your kids to not share  locations, school names, and other personal details on social media.
 
High school (14-18 Years)

This week:

Transition to collaborative security: Work together with your teens to create a security plan. Discuss the need for a digital safety strategy in a matter-of-fact way, just as you’d discuss the need for driving safety rules. Review the need for password security and remind them how important it is that they never share their passwords with anyone but their parents or caregivers.

Discuss the impact of their digital footprint: Remind your kids that their current digital lives can have an impact on their future. Explain how social media profiles, postings, and other content can affect college applications and job opportunities and their safety.

Set up two-factor authentication: Establish and enforce two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts, such as email, banking and even social media.

Review gaming and social media privacy settings: Gaming apps are often automatically set to share personal information. Work with your teen to review and adjust settings.
 
Ongoing:

Monthly “digital wellness” conversations: Make sure to check in with your teens on the emotional effects of their online habits.

Discuss academic integrity: Talk about AI cheating, online ethics, and responsible use. Set boundaries about using AI tools for schoolwork.

Address dating app safety and sextortion risks: No matter how uncomfortable it may be, be straightforward with your kids about the risks of sexting. Be sure they understand that any sexual messages or images they share digitally can live forever. Even on a platform like Snapchat, where images are supposed to be temporary, someone can screenshot, save and share messages and images with others. Just one text to the wrong person could have deeply painful and humiliating consequences.

Conversation starters that work

Starting conversations about online safety with your kids isn’t always easy, but with the right approach, you can help them build digital confidence and awareness.

For elementary kids:

• “Let’s be internet detectives today! Can you help me spot what’s real and what’s fake in these emails?”
• “Your computer is like your house – we need to lock the doors. Let me show you how.”

For middle schoolers:

• “I saw this news story about a kid your age who had their account hacked. Want to check if yours is secure?”
• “What would you do if someone online asked you to keep a secret from me?”

For high schoolers:

• “I’m not trying to spy on you, but I do want to make sure you know how to protect yourself online. Can we talk about what you’ve been seeing?”
• “Have you ever gotten a message or email that made you suspicious or uncomfortable? What did you do?”

Webroot offers real-time protection to keep your family safe online without slowing down devices during homework time. With coverage for multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and computers, it’s easy to protect every member of your household.

Cybersecurity doesn’t go on summer break, so take an hour this weekend to complete the checklist and strengthen your family’s digital defenses before the first bell rings. With Webroot’s powerful tools, you’ll get year-round protection, so you can focus on having a safe, smart, and cyber-savvy school year!

Additional resources:

• Benefits and Risks of Technology for Teens
• Phishing Scams Aimed at Students
• Building Online Defenses for the Whole Family
• Keeping Kids Safe Online
• Cybersecurity for Students

The post Back-to-school cyber safety: Parent checklist appeared first on Webroot Blog.

Ready, set, pack! Summer travel season is here and that means family road trips, beach vacations, international adventures and more. While summertime is prime time for getaways, did you know it’s also prime time for online fraud? Scammers are targeting the travel industry, putting millions of travelers at increased risk. Research shows that the travel and tourism sector ranked third in cyberattacks, with nearly 31% of hospitality organizations experiencing a data breach and a record 340 million people affected by cybercrimes. According to Mastercard, travel-related fraud in 2024 increased by 18% during the summer peak season and 28% in the winter peak season. 

Why travelers are prime targets

Being in an unfamiliar environment can put your personal information at risk if you’re relying on public Wi-Fi networks, using shared devices, and carrying valuable personal and business data on mobile devices. Let’s be honest, when you go into “vacation mode” and start relaxing, it’s only natural that you might also start letting your guard down. Even the best trips can have stressful moments, and when you miss a flight or get lost in a new destination, it’s easy to become less vigilant about protecting your cybersecurity. This is especially true when you travel to foreign countries. In fact, 90% of international travelers admit to risky tech practices while abroad. Fewer than 1 in 3 travelers (31%) protect their data with a virtual private network (VPN) when traveling internationally.

What to know before you go

Believe it or not, the risks to your data security start long before your vacation begins. As soon as you start booking your trip, the cybercriminals start circling. Fraud rates in sectors associated with the early stages of trip planning increased more than 12% between 2023 and 2024. At a time when inflation and economic pressures are on the rise, people are looking for deep discounts, and scammers are seizing the opportunity to steal your private data and your money.

• Fake travel websites and rental listings: When you find a killer price on a luxury cruise, a European tour or an oceanfront Airbnb, take another look before you book! Scammers use phony offers, manipulated destination photos, and fake confirmation links to lure victims into “purchasing” great travel deals. Always double check and confirm you’re dealing with a legitimate website or listing before you hand over any credit card information.

• Phishing scams: Phishing scams that target travel-related platforms are on the rise. Cybercriminals pose as legitimate organizations and use fake emails, text messages and phone calls to lure you into giving up financial information. These messages often ask you to click on links that embed malicious software onto your device and steal your sensitive data. In 2024, the travel website booking.com reported a 500%-900% increase in travel-related phishing scams. This rise was attributed to the large number of scams using AI, making it easier for criminals to mimic trusted sources. If you get a suspicious message, call the company or go to their website and log in directly before clicking on any links.

• Loyalty fraud: Loyalty fraud, also known as points fraud, happens when scammers steal points or personal information from a loyalty program. The travel industry is especially vulnerable to this type of attack because so many travel-related companies, including travel agents, cruise lines, airlines and hotels, offer points programs for frequent travelers. Thieves often access loyalty accounts with credentials stolen in a data breach. Be sure to create strong passwords for your accounts and check your balances regularly.

Pre-trip security

Before you hit the road, help protect your digital data and devices with a few simple security practices.

• Alert your financial institutions: Only about half of travelers (52%) alert their financial institutions before traveling abroad, but it’s a powerful way to fight cybercrime. When banks and credit card companies know your travel plans, it’s much easier for them to flag any suspicious transactions.
• Turn off your Bluetooth:  Bluetooth technology automatically creates wireless connections and can give cybercriminals the ability to see what apps and websites you’re logged into. Only 44% of travelers say they make sure to turn off their Bluetooth signal, but it’s a simple way to thwart hackers. It’s also a good idea to turn off device sharing features and update your passwords before a trip.
• Update your Wi-Fi setting: Joining unknown Wi-Fi networks is very risky and can open up your personal data to hackers. Since public Wi-Fi often has weak security,  it’s important that your phone doesn’t connect to unsecured networks automatically. Make sure to go into your phone settings and disable auto-join for unknown Wi-Fi networks. It’s a simple way to add a layer of protection when you travel.
• Use “Find My Device” features: Enable the tracking features on your devices that can locate them if they’re lost or stolen – Find My device for iOS and Find Hub for Android.

Cybersecurity travel risks

• Rental cars: Did you know that the simple act of syncing your phone to your rental car’s infotainment system can expose your sensitive information to cybercrime? Your phone contains all kinds of information that hackers can use, including contacts, text messages, passwords and more. Infotainment systems store your information each time you connect, and it stays there unless you manually delete it. Security experts say while 57% of people sync their phones to rental cars, only half of them take steps to remove their information. Always remember to delete your profile and data from your rental car before returning it!
• Screen snoopers: Be cautious of screen snoopers (aka shoulder surfers) who try to see the activity on your laptop or phone in public places like planes, airports, and restaurants. To prevent hackers from stealing your passwords and other private information, use privacy screen protectors to shield your screens from prying eyes and always stay aware of your surroundings.
• Airport and hotel Wi-Fi:  Always be wary of public Wi-Fi networks when you’re on the road. They’re often unprotected and can make it easy for cybercriminals to intercept your data. Poor Wi-Fi security at airports and hotels can allow hackers to swipe your credentials, lock you out of accounts, and even demand a ransom for your stolen data. To ensure safety while online on public WIFI, purchase a VPN for your devices, like Webroot’s Secure VPN.
• Fake hotspot attacks: Fraudsters often set up fake hotspots to steal your information. Sometimes they alter the name of a genuine hotspot slightly (Starbucks-Coffee instead of StarbucksCoffee) to trick you into connecting. Always double-check the full network name before logging on to a public hotspot. Also, check to see if the site is using encryption. Legitimate sites that begin with “https” protect your information and make it unreadable to hackers.
• Charging stations: Public charging stations are super convenient when you’re running low on battery, but they can also pose security risks. Cybercriminals can install malicious software on these stations to steal your device’s data, a tactic known as juice jacking. Always avoid plugging directly into public charging stations and play it safe by packing your own wall chargers, car chargers and external batteries when you travel.
• Business centers and airport Lounges: Business Centers and lounges typically provide desktop computers for simple tasks like checking emails or printing boarding passes. While convenient, these public computers may be risky, as attackers can plant malware or install hardware that records your keystrokes. When traveling, use your personal devices whenever possible.

Travel safety best practices

• Use Wi-Fi networks safely: Always connect using the public Wi-Fi setting, and do not enable auto-reconnect. Always confirm an HTTPS connection when browsing the internet. Avoid accessing websites that require you to supply personal data, such as social security numbers.
• Avoid financial sites: Refrain from checking your personal banking apps or financial information over public Wi-Fi.
• Use VPN protection: A VPN encrypts your internet connection, providing a secure channel for your data. Webroot Secure VPN gives you security and peace of mind by protecting your personal information when you’re on public Wi-Fi.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Use Two-factor Authentication (TFA) on your gadgets and electronic devices. Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can prevent unauthorized access.
• Limit public posts about your location: Avoid sharing specific details about your location and travel plans on social media to prevent potential targeting by scammers.
• Check mobile device settings: Adjust the screen settings on your devices to allow for a shorter automatic sleep feature. Implement screen locks, biometric security, and privacy settings for location services.
• Bring portable chargers: Avoid using public charging stations by bringing your own power sources.
• Install comprehensive security software: Use antivirus solutions to safeguard you from online threats, including bank fraud and identity theft. Webroot Total Protection offers comprehensive security, including real-time threat detection and response, automatic updates, and cloud backup. Other features include Wi-Fi security monitoring, secure browsing, and password management.

No matter what your summer destination, make cybersecurity part of your travel plans. From securing your Wi-Fi connection and turning off Bluetooth to enabling two-factor authentication, small steps can make a big difference. Let Webroot keep all your digital data safe while you’re on the go. Then all you have to worry about is remembering to turn on your out-of-office reply!

Looking for more information?

Fighting Back Against Loyalty Fraud

Travel-Related Phishing

Protect Yourself Against AI Phishing Attacks

Travel Scams to Watch Out For

The post Tips to make your summer travels cyber safe appeared first on Webroot Blog.

The month of June is a time for fun in the sun and a break from the school year, but did you know it’s also the perfect time to step up your family’s online security? June is Internet Safety Month, a yearly reminder to strengthen your defenses against online threats. In today’s hyper-connected world, we use the internet for just about everything, from shopping to banking to streaming and work. That goes for your kids as well. Many of their favorite activities, including gaming and connecting with friends on social media, are connected to the internet.  While all this access means added convenience, it also means constant threats to your family’s online safety.

From phishing scams to malware, hackers are constantly looking for ways to exploit weaknesses in cybersecurity systems and software. Their goal is always the same: to get access to personal data and use it for profit. The rising numbers tell the story. In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received more than 850,000 cybercrime complaints, with reported losses exceeding $10.3 billion. This is partly due to the increase in data breaches. Studies show that 51% of Americans report they’ve been victims of a data breach, and 64% say they’ve changed their online behavior for fear of escalating online threats like ransomware and identity theft.

Keep summer screen time safe

It’s not just adults getting targeted online. Children and teens are increasingly exposed to scams (even extortion scams), cyberbullying, and inappropriate content—especially during summer when screen time surges. A recent Pew Research study found that 45% of teens are online almost constantly. So how do you let your kids enjoy their screens safely? Webroot Total Protection and Webroot Essentials offer parental controls that make it easy to manage your children’s online activity and content access. You can block specific websites, filter out inappropriate content and set daily limits on computer time. You can also monitor what sites your kids visit and interact with, and even tailor different levels of protection for each child. Whether your kids are watching YouTube, chatting on Discord, or gaming with friends, it’s a simple way to keep them safe without having to hover over them every time they’re online. 

Protect every device

As we spend more time on our mobile devices, cybercriminals are following suit. A recent security report shows that 70% of fraud is now carried out through mobile channels. From phones and tablets to laptops, the mobile devices your family relies on daily are brimming with personal data. Now more than ever, we need to take steps to protect ourselves and our family. Webroot Essentials provides multi-device protection with real-time threat intelligence. Whether you’re on Android, iOS, Windows or Mac, all the devices in your household are constantly safeguarded against the latest online threats.

Strengthen your password security

Are you still using passwords like your dog’s name and 123? And what about your kids? Chances are their Roblox passwords aren’t as tough to hack as they should be. If there’s one weak link in most people’s security, it’s their passwords. Cybercriminals know that, and they’re taking full advantage. In fact, the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found 81% of data breaches were caused by compromised passwords. Here are some tips to keep all your family’s passwords secure.

• Make it complicated: It’s important to create long and complex passwords and avoid using anything that’s easy to guess. That means no “Password” or “123456”. It also means no pet names or kid’s names, since hackers can often find those details on social media.
•  Don’t recycle: Never use the same login for more than one account. It may be easier to remember, but if your username and password for one account are exposed in a data breach, hackers can use them to try and break into all your other accounts.
• Use a password manager: Let a password manager save you some headaches by doing the hard work for you. Webroot solutions include password managers that store credentials and credit card information and automatically fill in login information, so the whole family can stay secure without having to remember every login. Be careful storing your credit card information on shared devices. You don’t want a shipment of 70,000 lollipops at your door.

Defend against social engineering scams

It’s important to stay aware of the latest online threats. Social engineering scams are designed to gain your trust and then trick you into sharing sensitive details by clicking on fake links or downloading malicious software. The most common type of social engineering is phishing. In a phishing attack, hackers pretend to be someone you trust and use fraudulent emails, texts and websites to try and steal personal information.

Scammers often use phishing to target children. They pose as friends, influencers, or game platforms to trick them into clicking fake links and handing over details like credit card numbers. These scams often start with an offer of an exciting reward or a prize. Take some time to talk with your kids about these common scams.

• Fake game reward scams: Kids are offered free in-game currency on a popular platform like Fortnite, then asked to click phony links and provide sensitive details. It’s important to remind your children to redeem rewards through official game platforms only and never enter login or payment information into random pop-ups or suspicious links.
• Social media impersonation scams: Scammers create fake social media profiles to pose as a friend, classmate, or influencer, and use stolen photos or AI-generated content to build seemingly legitimate profiles. The goal is to trick kids into clicking dangerous links or downloading malware. Make sure your children know that even if someone looks familiar, they may not be who they say they are.
• Friendship and romance scams: A scammer builds an emotional connection with a child, then starts asking for sensitive info like Social Security numbers, photos, or money. Remind your kids that if someone won’t use video chat or meet in person, they’re probably not legitimate. Also remind your children, adding people to your social media friends group
• Influencer giveaway scams: Fake influencer accounts host phony contests and message “winners” asking for a fee or bank account details. Remind your kids that they should only follow verified social media accounts, and that a real contest won’t ask them to pay to redeem a prize.

Secure your home network

Home security means more than just deadbolts and alarms. With smart TVs, video doorbells, and wireless thermostats, our homes are more connected than ever. While all these Internet of Things (IoT) devices making our lives more convenient, each one is a potential entry point for hackers. Webroot Secure VPN provides encrypted connections for safe browsing at home. When your family is on the go, it protects your online privacy on unsecured networks and shields your personal information from cyberthieves.

Internet safety checklist

• Update all your operating systems and applications to the latest versions – make sure to do the same for your kids.
• Enable automatic updates for software and security for the entire family.
• Run a full system scan to detect any existing malware on all devices in your household.
• Enable multi-factor authentication on all critical accounts.
• Create unique passwords for each online account.
• Change passwords for your family’s most important accounts often, such as banking, email, and social media.
• Review settings on all social media accounts and make sure all kids’ profiles are private.
• Check app permissions, especially on your kids’ devices.
• Clear all browser cookies and caches monthly.
• Be cautious with suspicious links or unknown senders. Be sure the whole family knows to verify sender addresses before responding to requests for information or clicking any links.
• Consider comprehensive online security with Webroot Total Protection, which includes antivirus and identity protection, unlimited cloud backup, and up to $1 million in identity theft expense reimbursement. Get protection for up to ten devices and peace of mind that your family’s digital lives are secure.

Cybercriminals never take a break and neither should you. Internet Safety Month is the perfect opportunity to step up the digital safety of your entire household. And remember – online security isn’t just an annual event. Your sensitive data deserves year-round protection, and you can get it with family-friendly solutions from Webroot. Don’t wait for a data breach or other disaster to take action. Keep your kids safe and your data secure by strengthening your digital defenses today!

Looking for more information?

Avoiding Scams that Target Kids and Teens

Protecting Young Online Gamers

How Americans View Data Privacy

Social Security Numbers and Identity Theft

Protect Yourself from AI-Enabled Phishing

Common Types of Phishing Attacks

Why Use a Password Manager?

Defending Your Digital Identity from Evolving Threats

The post Build strong digital defenses for your entire family appeared first on Webroot Blog.

In today’s digital world, your personal data is like cold hard cash, and that’s why cyberthieves are always looking for ways to steal it. Whether it’s an email address, a credit card number, or even medical records, your personal information is incredibly valuable in the wrong hands.

For hackers, breaking into a company database is like hitting the mother lode, giving them access to millions of personal records. Why? Because whether you know it or not, many companies are collecting and storing your private data. Think about all the information you hand over when you order something online, like your full name, your credit card number, your home address, and maybe even your birthdate just to snag an extra discount. If a company you do business with becomes part of a data breach, cybercriminals may have full access to your confidential information.

Unfortunately, data breaches are on the rise and affecting more companies and consumers than ever. In 2024, more than 1.3 billion people received notices that their information was exposed in a data breach. Chances are you’ve received at least one of these letters, which means you have been put at risk for identity theft and major financial losses.

What are data breaches and how do they happen?

Data breaches occur when sensitive, protected, or confidential data is hacked or leaked from a company or organization. Sometimes businesses are targeted because they have outdated or weak security. While no industry is immune, some sectors are more likely to become victims of breaches because of the sensitive nature of the data they handle. Here are some of the most likely targets for access to consumer data:

• Healthcare organizations: Healthcare companies are a prime target for cybercrime due to the large amounts of sensitive data they store, which includes personal information and medical records. In 2024, there were 14 data breaches involving 1 million or more healthcare records. The largest breach affected an estimated 190 million people and a ransom of 22 million dollars was collected by the hackers.
• Financial services industry: Banks, insurance companies and other financial organizations offer a wealth of opportunity for hackers who can use stolen bank account and credit card information for their own financial gain. In 2024, mortgage lender LoanDepot was the victim of a cyberattack that compromised the information of more than 16 million individuals.
• Retail and e-commerce: Retail and ecommerce businesses are vulnerable to breaches because they handle and store vast amounts of customer payment information, including addresses, credit card numbers and more. Many retailers operate both brick-and-mortar stores and ecommerce platforms and rely on a variety of mobile apps, PoS (point-of-sale) systems, and cloud-based platforms, which creates more entry points for hackers to exploit.
• Tech companies: With access to user data, software systems and intellectual property, tech firms are frequent targets. Apple, Twitter and Meta have all reportedly been victims of cyberattacks.
• Government agencies: Because government organizations store highly sensitive information, social security numbers, they are considered especially high-value targets for cyberattacks.

The most-wanted data

The type of information stolen in data breaches varies depending on the organization, but here’s a list of the kind of data cybercriminals are seeking:

• Emails and passwords
• Payment and credit card information
• Medical records and health data
• Social Security numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Banking details and account numbers

What hackers do with your data

Once data is exposed in a breach, cybercriminals will test your usernames and password combinations across thousands of sites, knowing that most people recycle their emails and passwords. Here are just some of the ways hackers exploit your stolen information:

• Identity theft: Hackers use your personal info to impersonate you. They can open accounts in your name, apply for loans, and even file false tax returns.
• Selling it on the dark web: Stolen data is frequently sold to the highest bidder on dark web marketplaces. This makes it accessible to a worldwide network of criminals.
• Phishing and social engineering: Using your personal information, scammers can craft more convincing phishing emails or messages to trick you into giving up even more sensitive details, like passwords and PIN numbers.
• Financial exploitation: When your credit card numbers or bank account details are compromised, cyber thieves can use that information to make financial transactions in your name. They can rack up charges on your credit cards and even drain your bank accounts.
• Data reuse and repurposing: It’s important to remember that your stolen information can be used for fraud and theft even years after a data breach, so it’s crucial to stop using recycled usernames and passwords on both old and new accounts or systems.
• Hijacking online accounts: If your login credentials (usernames and passwords) are leaked, all your online accounts are put at risk. Besides your financial accounts, cyber thieves can also access your social media accounts and other platforms, leading to a major loss of privacy in addition to monetary losses.

How to minimize the risks

• Stay alert: Be on the lookout for any signs of fraud and use an identity protection plan to guard against suspicious activity. Webroot Total Protection monitors the dark web for you and sends alerts if your email or personal information has been found in a breach.
• Use strong, unique passwords: Strong, unique passwords are a simple, yet powerful security tool. Webroot Essentials plans offer password managers that do the hard work for you, keeping all your passwords safe and encrypted while you remember just one password for a quick and seamless login on every site and app.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Turn on two-factor identification wherever possible, especially for financial accounts and email. This adds an extra step to your login process and makes it much harder for hackers to gain access. Also, remember to update and reset your passwords on a regular basis and always delete any old, unused online accounts.
• Keep your devices protected: Always keep your device software updated and use antivirus and internet security software. Webroot Premium protects your devices from malware, viruses and phishing attempts and provides identity protection so you’re immediately alerted if your information is leaked in a data breach or found on the dark web. If you do become a victim of identity theft, you’ll have 24/7 U.S.-based customer support and up to $1 million in expense reimbursement.
• Update your identity protection plan: Remember to keep your identity protection plan updated, so your personal details like birthdate, Social Security number and driver’s license number are current. Make sure all your family members are onboarded, especially children and older relatives. Also, get real time fraud detection by setting up threshold alerts on your financial accounts so you’re notified of any suspicious transactions as soon as they occur.
• Monitor constantly: It’s important to remember that even if your personal data was exposed years ago, it can still resurface and cause problems at any time. Especially when it comes to children and the elderly, suspicious financial activity can happen without their knowledge and go undetected. For example, it’s not uncommon for a young student to find out they have a poor credit score only when they to try to open their first credit card account. The student had no idea that a cybercriminal used their information for fraudulent purposes and is forced to go through a difficult and costly process to restore their good credit. Most identity protection plans include monitoring and remediation, even if the fraud happened years ago and is affecting you or your family today.

Data breaches are a fact of life in the digital world we live in, but you can protect yourself with some smart security measures. By using strong passwords, password managers, antivirus software, and identity protection plans, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime, and even get help to restore your identity, your financial losses and your reputation.

It’s like putting a lock on your personal data. When it comes to your sensitive information, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Looking for more information and solutions?

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