Just months after Netflix cracked down on passwords, Disney is hoping to rake in the cash with the same tactic.
So much data left exposed for anyone to see
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Another day, another monumental data breach. Just because they’re getting more common doesn’t mean you can tune it out. In fact, it’s time to get even more serious about your private information and what’s posted online.
An estimated 106,316,633 records from U.S. citizens were exposed through “human error.” In this case, someone left a file totally unprotected online. Data of 2,319,873 people and organizations who subscribed to MC2 Data for background check services was exposed, too. Talk about a massive screwup.
Cybersecurity researchers say the company left a whopping 2.2 terabytes of private information open for anyone. MC2 Data owns several background check sites, including PrivateRecords.net, PrivateReports, PeopleSearcher, ThePeopleSearchers and PeopleSearchUSA.
Like thousands of other background check companies, MC2 Data gathers data from government sources, criminal records, employment history and family data.
The personal data left out in the open for anyone to access includes, but is not limited to:
- Names
- Email addresses
- IP addresses
- Encrypted passwords
- Partial payment information
- Home addresses
- Birth dates
- Phone numbers
- Property records
- Legal records
- Family, relative and neighbor data
- Employment histories
So far, MC2 Data hasn’t released a formal response to the breach. The story is still developing, but I wanted to make sure you knew about it.
Small business owners: Simplify your life with one financial tool that does it all
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Are your finances as organized as you’d like them to be? Come on, be honest. For most business owners, the answer is a reluctant no.
As your company grows, you will have more expenses, contractors, KPIs and hands managing it all. If your communication happens through email, over the phone, in messages, and via spreadsheets, you will hit a wall sooner or later.
Heads-up, Gmail user: Starting Sept. 30, you won’t be able to use your Google Workspace account to log into third-party apps or devices that require only a username and password to sign up. If you see errors like “Invalid username,” “Invalid password” or “Unable to log in,” create a new account with the site instead of trying to log in with Google.
How to deal with a cyberstalker
Let me tell you, more and more victims of cyberstalking are reaching out to me for advice using my Ask Kim page. Here’s one note I received recently from P.W. in Oklahoma:
“I’ve been cyberstalked for three years. I recently discovered it was my roommate. I moved out and he launched another attack. He’s on my and my fiance’s phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth — everything. He has stolen financial data, pictures, erased accounts, taken over emails and harassed me through VOIP. … He admitted to sitting outside our house all night. I thought he was spying on me. Now I know he was also gaining access to my Wi-Fi. I can’t do this anymore and need expert advice/help terribly.”
Bad news: Here's how much your social media logins cost on the Dark Web
What if I told you for just $12, someone could buy your Instagram login. They could read all your messages, look through everything you’ve “liked” and even post as you.
Whizcase gathered prices from Dark Web marketplaces to see how much your online identity is worth, and it’s grim.
A whole new world: Starting in September, Disney+ is cracking down on password sharing outside your household. Rumor has it you can add paid sharing, but no word on the cost yet. Oh, and the price for Disney+ will increase in October; the ad-supported tier will go from $8 per month to $10 monthly, and the ad-free version will rise from $14 to $16 a month. Yup, Mickey needs the money.
Apple’s next big idea: Robot butlers
Picture an AI smarty-pants to wash the dishes, clean the house and video chat with you when you’re not home. Plus, fakes on Facebook, no more sharing Disney+ passwords, and Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
Mac attack: A new macOS malware called “Cuckoo” is targeting older Intel-based Macs and newer models with Apple chips. It steals passwords and takes over your system. It’s spreading via websites and apps that convert streaming music into MP3s. Stay safe: Use TotalAV to protect your tech — it’s just $19 for a year.
February 17th, 2024
The fear that keeps Sam Altman up at night. Plus, AI voices of gun victims being sent to lawmakers, companies replacing passwords with biometrics, and Zillow’s handy feature for room rentals. And an ultimate tip on where to stash an AirTag in your car. That and much more, plus all your calls and questions.
Should you share passwords with your girlfriend?
Breaking up is tough, especially for your privacy. Here’s what to do if your romance goes south.
The biggest password dump in history
Over 25 million passwords got spilled in a huge breach. Wanna know if yours was one of them? Here’s how to check if you’ve been exposed.
January 20th, 2024
It’s one of the biggest leaks ever: A data breach uncovers over 25 million passwords. Plus, OpenAI’s latest strategy to combat election deepfakes in 2024. A romance scammer convinces a woman to kill her husband. And tech buffs, get ready — Seagate just launched a record-breaking 30TB hard drive! That and much more, plus all your calls and questions.
The top most easily guessed passwords
Curious about the numbers you should avoid using in your passwords? I’ll reveal them in just one minute.
3 tricks to see if your passwords are being sold on the Dark Web
Hackers can make a ton of money by selling your private information on underground forums. It’s possible that your passwords are being sold on the Dark Web right now. That’s why you should run a cybersecurity check now and then.
Google’s killing passwords, USPS job scams & Nextdoor fights nasty comments
Plus, I talk to a son that needs help deleting his mom’s FB account — she passed away and he doesn’t have the login info. Gen Z gets in on an old phone trend, a bizarre Facebook crime, and five tech tips to cut your energy bill.
Stop Netflix password thieves or pay a fee
Are you still sharing your Netflix passwords with friends? In one minute, here are the consequences.
Protect these files - hackers want them the most
Your life is on your computer. Want to protect your work, private photos and passwords? In this one-minute podcast, you’ll master a top cybersecurity tip.
ISPs caught lying, $400,000 naps, Apple iCloud redesign
Are you paying for premium internet plans? A new study says your download speeds aren’t as fast as they should be. Plus, avoid the worst passwords, Apple’s iCloud.com redesign, make $400,000 a year sleeping on TikTok and Apple’s iPhone 14 satellite emergency SOS is finally live.
4 times you need to change a password
Are your passwords endangering your security? Listen to this one-minute podcast to find out how often you should change your passwords.