The New Tool Arrives December 16 Along with Information and Advice on Preventing Identity Theft and Protecting Your Money
Digital destination Money announced the launch of a new tool centered around increasing cybersecurity awareness, along with best practices on protecting users from identity theft. As the world has become even more reliant on the internet in the past year, Money’s new Data Breach Tool allows users to learn which data breaches their personal data has already been compromised in and sign up for text and email alerts to learn when their email is compromised in a new data breach. With 10.5 billion known accounts breached worldwide1 and counting, understanding whether your data has been compromised is a critical first step to ensure personal data safety. Usage is free and simple: input an email address and Money shows you all the known breaches your data has been a part of plus details on each breach.
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COVID-19 has created a cybercriminal paradise with people using the internet now more than ever. When personal data is compromised in a data breach, cybercriminals may be able to gain access to bank accounts, tax info, social media platforms, cloud services, contacts and more. Data breaches can be very damaging and expensive for both businesses and users and take considerable time and money to repair. The average cost of a data breach in the U.S. in 2020 was $8.64 million2. With Money’s new Data Breach Tool, users will find out whether their email was compromised in almost 500 breaches and counting.
The Data Breach Tool kicks off a new area of coverage for Money and is part of a larger effort from the popular personal finance site to protect readers’ money and identity in a digital world. Following the launch, Money will publish a series of relevant stories, analysis and advice on data breaches, scams, and identity protection throughout 2021.
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“This decade will be a make-or-break time for everyone to protect their digital livelihoods,” said Mike Ayers, Executive Editor of Money. “Money’s new data breach tool gives everyone a free, easy-to-use first step in fighting back against those who want our personal information.”
“Our goal was to build something that consumers’ could easily use to keep their financial identity safe — and arm them with knowledge that could protect it into the future,” said Melissa Powel, Head of Product at Money. “With everything moving online this year, particularly holiday shopping, consumers need to be proactive about protecting their digital identity.”
