If you are using Microsoft Windows 10, you have a new tool to help you find out if your email address has been part of a breach. It’s called Hacked? and uses the Have I been pwned? service to find out what, if any breaches to which your email address is linked.
If you find out that your email address was involved in a breach, be cautious about opening links and attachments in email messages. Often, the hackers will use the stolen addresses for phishing, and depending on from where the email addresses was stolen, it could be targeted to your interests, profession, or something else making it difficult to determine if it is legitimate (known as spear-phishing). However, the key is that if you receive a link or attachment that is not expected, it should always be considered suspicious. Make sure to verify with the sender of its authenticity before taking any action. Do this by creating a completely separate email message back (as opposed to replying to the message), by picking up the phone and making a call, or by walking to someone’s desk if you’re co-located.
In addition, this is a good example of the value of keeping your operating systems updated. New tools that can help you monitor your information or keep your data secure will be made available to newer versions, but not likely to older ones. If you’re still using Windows XP or earlier, or using an unsupported version of any operating system, be sure to upgrade so that you can keep it updated with the latest security and critical patches. This will help prevent vulnerabilities in the software running on your systems from being exploited, since updates are not released for unsupported operating systems.
A nice feature of this new “Hacked?” service is that you can set it up to check every 12 hours if a new leak has been reported and you will be informed across your Windows 10 devices if your information is included.
It’s still in the early stages of development and has a few bugs. However, when a breach involves 427 million victims, like MySpace recently reported, it will take the company a bit of time to let you know if you’re involved. This app will help expedite the process and those needing to take action to protect themselves, can do so a bit quicker.
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