10 Facts You Need to Know About Data Security [Video Infographic]

Summary

Data breaches and identity theft are growing rapidly in the U.S., with over 100 million Americans affected last year. Cybercrime, especially involving compromised payment card data, is a major threat, exacerbated by outdated U.S. payment card technology. While larger organizations are improving security, small and midsized businesses remain vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Prevention is crucial, and companies like Heartland Secure offer breach warranties to help mitigate the risks. With data fraud rising and the U.S. as a primary target, businesses must act swiftly to protect themselves from devastating breaches.

Takeaways

• 💳 Over 100 million Americans had their information compromised last year due to data breaches.
• ⚠️ Identity theft is now the fastest-growing crime in the United States.
• 🌍 Cybercriminals from anywhere in the world can exploit stolen information to rack up thousands of dollars in charges.
• 💔 Victims of data breaches face emotional and financial devastation.
• 📈 Data fraud and cyber attacks are rising globally and are listed among the top 10 global risks.
• 🇺🇸 The United States is a prime target for international cybercriminals due to frequent data breaches.
• 💰 Domestic data breaches in the US cost over $100 billion last year alone.
• 💳 US payment card technology lags behind the rest of the world, and while EMV chip cards help, they are not sufficient alone.
• 🏢 Small and midsize businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals as larger organizations strengthen security.
• 🛡️ Prevention is critical because cyber attacks are inevitable, and companies like Heartland Secure offer solutions such as free breach warranties.
• ⏳ Data breaches can take months to detect, causing prolonged and severe consequences for affected businesses and individuals.

Q & A

How many Americans had their information compromised last year according to the transcript?

More than 100 million Americans had their information compromised in data breaches last year.

Why is identity theft described as America's fastest-growing crime?

Identity theft is rapidly increasing because cybercriminals can easily exploit stolen information to make fraudulent charges, often without immediate detection.

What is particularly frustrating for victims of identity theft?

It is infuriating for victims that someone far away can run up thousands of dollars in charges in their name just because they swiped their card at the wrong place or time.

What global risk category does data fraud and cyber attacks fall under?

Data fraud and cyber attacks are listed among the top 10 global risks.

Why does the United States remain a prime target for international cyber criminals?

The US remains a prime target because it experiences frequent data breaches, and its payment card technology is behind the rest of the world.

What is the estimated financial impact of domestic data breaches in the US last year?

Domestic data breaches in the US exceeded $100 billion last year.

What is EMV chip card technology and how effective is it according to the transcript?

EMV chip card technology is a step toward improved payment security, but on its own, it is not enough to prevent breaches.

Why are small and midsize businesses at risk of cyber attacks?

Many small and midsize businesses mistakenly believe that breaches only happen to large corporations, making them more vulnerable as criminals target downstream from larger organizations.

What is the main message about the inevitability of data breaches?

The transcript emphasizes that with increasingly sophisticated and targeted attacks, it is not a question of if a breach will occur, but when.

What service does Heartland Secure offer to mitigate breach risks?

Heartland Secure offers a free breach warranty to help businesses protect against the financial consequences of data breaches.