Up, Up and Away!

New Study Warns of Recent Upsurge in Data Breaches Via Consumer Cloud Storage

Apple signals a call for alarm with a newly published independent study—some 2.6 billion compromised personal records of consumer cloud data from just the past two years—with breaches more than tripling in number between 2012–2023.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL PLUNDERING

Ransomware attacks are on the rise. Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated and in many cases have joined efforts, operating as “ransomware gangs.” Previously, hackers locked companies and individuals out of their computers and services until a bounty was paid. Now, bad actors are threatening to leak personal information online if a ransom isn’t paid.

Hackers will often sell your data even if you pay a ransom. So, companies should be especially careful with the personal data they maintain. Everyone should back up their data daily, and to do so safely. And if you are hacked, don’t pay for your data.

PROTECTION IN YOUR PALM

Apple urges users to take advantage of their end-to-end encryption services to thwart the sharing of stolen personal information and data. Encryption scrambles messages and data in transit so they can’t be easily read if intercepted. Apple now offers advanced data protection on Apple devices to further lock down your data stored in an iCloud account. (See MacRumors’ step-by-step guide for enabling advanced data protection on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.)

Advanced data protection on Apple devices can add additional safeguards to your iCloud account.

Google and Microsoft users aren’t exempt from this risk. There are also additional steps you can take to further encrypt services like Google Drive beyond the standard encryption that Google offers. Microsoft and OneDrive offer more information on their securities and recommended best practices.

ASSESS YOUR RISK

For all your current cloud services, make sure you’re using two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption. These protect your data from unwanted guests entering your digital front door, and encryption ensures safe travels for your sensitive information to its home in the sky. Setting up both is like having home security and a neighborhood watch for your cloud service. If your cloud service doesn’t have end-to-end encryption, it may be time to move to a safer neighborhood.