The State of Digital Privacy as of Summer 2021

Summer 2021 is almost done, but privacy threats, data breaches, and cybercrime didn’t take a vacation.

Last year was epic, with new data breaches, increasing cybercrime, and unprecedented new privacy threats. Good riddance, right? Except that summer 2021 is drawing to a close, and this year has already brought even more data breaches and privacy threats. As baseball great Yogi Berra said, “It’s like déjà vu all over again.” If there’s a lesson here, it’s to stay alert and be prepared for whatever life throws at us. We can’t help you with the weather, pandemic, or politics, but here’s an update on the latest privacy and cybercrime threats from 2021 and some tips to avoid them.

Privacy on the Home Front

The latest COVID surge still has many people working or attending school from home. Isolation and more time online can make us sitting ducks for data brokers and social media scammers out to steal personal information and invade our privacy. Our IDX Privacy members can use the Tracking Blocker to stop web sites from gathering your personal information. IDX Privacy’s ForgetMe can get your personal information off of public information sites, and here are tips for spotting social media scams.

Cybersecurity firm GeoEdge just reported a new privacy threat for the homebound: malware delivered via online advertising to take over home networks and smart devices. The malware is downloaded when an unwitting user clicks on a malicious link. Once installed, it can download apps without users’ consent, take over smart devices to spy on people, enable possible theft of personal and financial information, or tamper with home systems such as smart locks and surveillance cameras. Avoid clicking links in online ads, and here’s what to do if you think you may have downloaded malware.

Identity Theft: The Beat Goes On

In the hot summer of 2021, identity theft is still growing at a fever pitch.

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reported in July that data breaches were up 38% between the first and second quarters of 2021, putting more of your personal information at risk. The recent T-Mobile breach alone put exposed personal information on more than 56 million current and former customers.

The FTC also reports a 2,920 percent annual hike in cybercrimes where thieves used personal information to apply for or receive government benefits—often COVID-related benefits such as unemployment compensation. To detect and stop benefit theft early, check your Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid statements carefully, follow up if expected payments don’t arrive on time, and file taxes early to avoid tax fraud. IDX monitoring alerts can help by telling you when personal information has been compromised, so you can change passwords, protect your accounts, and be on the lookout for signs of trouble.

Ransomware is also becoming a more serious threat to personal information because the latest strains steal data while encrypting it. After the victim pays to unlock the data on their computer, the thieves either sell the stolen information or threaten to post it on the dark web unless they receive more ransom. If you experience a ransomware attack, here's what to do.

The Travails of Travel

As COVID restrictions ease, people are beginning to travel again. While enjoying the newfound freedom, you’ll need to take some extra privacy precautions. Experts recommend checking Department of State Travel Advisories for information on cybercrime in different countries. This includes whether you can use ATMs safely. Pay bills before you go, to minimize online transactions during your trip. Install security patches on any devices you’re bringing with you, update your security software, and turn off automatic connection with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks. And always use a VPN when connecting to the internet away from home.

The Brighter Side of 2021

Despite its troubles, 2021 has brought some progress on the privacy front. The California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 gives consumers the choice to opt out up front from having their personal information sold or shared. Many multi-state businesses are adopting these practices for all

U.S. customers, which is why you may have received a lot of new privacy notices lately and why more websites are offering you a choice about what data they gather. The California law also prohibits discrimination against people who opt not to share information. For example, a cellular provider can’t charge a higher rate to people who don’t allow their information to be shared with advertisers than to people who do.

The other bright side, of course, is that tools to protect your privacy and identity are becoming more available, more powerful, and easier to use. We’re constantly growing and improving our comprehensive suite of privacy and identity protection products to help protect you.

The fact is, if you don’t take action against problems, life will always be “déjà vu all over again.” But with the right knowledge and tools, things can change for the better.