What can happen if personal data leaks?

Have you ever wondered about the consequences of a data leak? When personal information such as your name, phone number, address, ID card details, bank account information, passwords, or even your shopping history at specific stores is exposed, it can lead to several risks:

Becoming a Target for Ads and Scams: If your contact details like phone number or email address are leaked, you may start receiving more telemarketing calls and scam messages. Anyone with malicious intent can easily reach you.

Account Hijacking: When one of your account passwords is leaked, it’s not just that single account at risk. All accounts where you use the same password could be compromised. Many people use the same password for convenience, and hackers are aware of this. For example, if a hacker obtains your account password for a shopping site, they might try using the same credentials on Facebook, LINE, Instagram, etc., and use your identity to post or send messages to your friends. Scams such as fake pet poll phishing on IG are a common example, which sends phishing messages to your friends through the already stolen account. If you hold a position of authority in a Facebook community or a fan page, the consequences can be more severe. Hackers can remove other administrators through your account, and use your community or fan page account for ransom or illegal activities.

Funds in Your Bank Account Can Be Stolen: If your bank account information is leaked, hackers may even have the opportunity to access your account and transfer your money out.

Identity Theft: When hackers possess your ID card and other personal information that can verify your identity, they might create e-wallets, open bank accounts, or establish a social media presence in your name. This can not only affect your credit rating but also lead to you being wrongfully prosecuted if the account is used for illegal activities.

Corporate Attacks: Leaking company-related data can expose internal business secrets. Hackers might use your corporate email or identity to launch further attacks on your colleague, resulting in significant financial losses and damage to the company’s reputation.

Advanced Fraud: Scammers often use leaked online information for more sophisticated scams. They might use this information to verify your identity, posing as government officials, law enforcement, or customer service representatives to trick you into disclosing more information or transferring money.