Tips to help protect yourself from data breaches

In 2021, headlines about data breaches have appeared frequently and included both big names and big numbers. Most recently, hackers accessed 54 million accounts in the T-Mobile cyberattack, and the social media giant Facebook experienced a major data breach in April, with more than 533 million accounts compromised.

These incidents weren’t isolated either. Last year, more than 5,000 hacks occurred, an increase of 33% from 2019. Social engineering , when scammers use deception to obtain your personal information, was the top culprit, accounting for more than a third of those breaches.

We’re not calling out these specifics to alarm you. Rather, it’s to emphasize that we get it if you’re feeling less than secure with your technology at home and on the go. It’s also why we’re committed to doing our part to help you keep your personal details protected, as well as provide you the information you need to help secure your data.

Together, our combined efforts can help bring you peace of mind.

Whether you’re using a mobile payment app to send money to a friend for your share of dinner out or using social media to keep in touch with family overseas, we know your security and privacy are very important to you. That’s why we have a dedicated team of hundreds working in our Security Center to help protect you against unauthorized transactions and other types of cyber attacks that could impact your Ally customer experience.

Our security experts work tirelessly to stay ahead of the latest threats — working with the FBI and other national security organizations to keep our layered security strategy ahead of those looking to steal your data. We also continually invest in the latest technologies and product innovations that are designed to help keep your information safe.

But this is only one part of the cybersecurity solution.

To keep your information as protected as possible, we want to work with you. Our joint effort can create a stronger shield than just our line of defense.

This collaboration is particularly important since the pandemic forced many Americans to work from home, making our at-home networks, work technologies and smart home devices even bigger targets for hackers than in the past.

We take great care to keep your finances secure within our systems. You can help keep yourself protected by creating secure, strong passwords for online banking, as well as your other accounts.

Web-enabled video equipment and platforms, like Zoom, let you do your job from wherever. But they’re also vulnerable to hacks. (Remember the infamous Zoom bombing phenomenon?) Only WFH on a secure wifi network, and be aware of your surroundings. For example, is your significant other on a video conference as well, giving its participants the ability to hear your confidential conversations? Or are you having home renovations or repairs, which require individuals that might be relatively unknown to you to be within earshot?

Connected devices can make life easier, but they can also be a cybercriminal’s key into your house. A video doorbell can help keep those online purchases safe upon delivery, but they could also be a hacker’s way in, unless you’ve set up that secure wireless network. It’s best to keep connected devices turned off unless you’re asking them to find you a recipe for dinner. (If only they could make it, too!)

If you’re like many Americans, you’re probably doing a lot more online shopping than ever before. If so, you’re sharing a lot of private and sensitive financial information with various retailers. 

Take precautions so you don’t walk right into fraudster’s traps. Know the signs of a phishing attack to stay out of a hacker’s nets. And be sure to check off each of these 10 items to help keep cybercriminals’ hands off your online credentials.

The world may be your oyster but, staying connected via your mobile devices and even in your connected car while you’re out and about, makes you more open and vulnerable to deceptive characters. When you’re away from home, turn off the Wi-Fi on mobile devices and consider disconnecting your phone’s Bluetooth from your car when not in use. Otherwise, devices can automatically connect to shared networks, which aren’t secure. If you need to be connected when out and about, these tips will help you stay safe on public Wi-Fi networks.

Being on the go shouldn’t mean being vulnerable. Our before-you-go financial safety checklist can help keep you safe.

Think twice about geotagging any social posts. Your friends will love to see you eating pasta Bolognese in Bologna, but criminals can log that information to download your photos and location. And check your privacy settings to ensure you’re only sharing posts with your followers instead of the entire digital world.

Although data breaches, scams and fraud are certain to continue, we are committed to being an ally for your privacy and security. Playing an active role in your own protection, combined with our up-to-date security best practices, can help you feel safe and secure.