Data Breaches Are Getting Worse—Here’s How to Stay Safe in 2025

In 2024, a series of major data breaches captured headlines. Have you heard of the PowerSchool breach? A ransomware group called Medusa compromised the personal data of over 60 million students, including social security numbers, addresses, birth dates, and medical records.

What about the February DOGE incident, in which personnel from the newly created U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gained access to classified data from several other prominent U.S. government departments? It’s almost so absurd that it doesn’t sound real.

The DISA Global Solutions breach potentially exposed the sensitive information of nearly 3.3 million individuals, many of whom are linked to Fortune 500 companies. What’s more interesting is that it took an entire year for DISA to notify anyone, including possible victims of the attack.

A New Dawn for Data Breaches

Data breaches aren’t new, but hackers’ and cybercriminals’ methods are becoming more intricate and sophisticated. If the consequences of such breaches weren’t so dire, their complexity might even be impressive.

Sadly, many goliaths and mainstream companies still use outdated security measures, infrastructure, and staff training standards, even as cybercrime tactics modernize. The result? Well, it’s all over the news.

If major institutions in education, finance, health, and national security struggle to keep data safe, how can individuals keep up? The first step is gaining knowledge and understanding, taking a few basic actions, and using services that provide an extra layer of online protection.

How Does Your Data End up for Sale?

The lifecycle of a data breach usually starts with an initial attack, which can be facilitated when a hacker gains access to sensitive information through malware injections (such as keyloggers or spyware), insider bribes, or social engineering tactics.

Once inside, hackers can root around for important login credentials, credit card or account details, identity documents, or medical information. This data is packaged and sold on dark web forums or underground marketplaces. Fraudsters and thieves can use the stolen information to steal a person’s identity, create more convincing scams, or even pursue blackmail.

A lot of online data, which seems harmless, is valuable. Knowing someone’s birth date and mother’s maiden name is often enough to bypass security questions and access their account. Hackers gain access to the data, data brokers act as the middleman to package and sell the information, and buyers use the information to commit theft, fraud, or blackmail.

How to Keep Your Data Safe

Strong passwords are often touted as one of the best defenses against a potential hacking attempt—this is true to an extent. However, given the numerous methods hackers have to access passwords, it’s essential to consider additional security measures, regardless of how strong your password may be.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) must not be overlooked, even on accounts that may not seem to house vulnerable data. Even if your password is essentially uncrackable, MFA—whether with text, authentication apps, or biometrics—creates that extra step that may make the difference between a failed and successful hacking attempt.

Be wary of what you (over)share online. Social media quizzes or trendy viral challenges may seem like harmless fun until they spur you to overshare information like your mother’s maiden name, first pet, or childhood best friend—which are non-coincidentally common account security questions.

We’re all guilty of using the same password for multiple accounts—especially when creating accounts for non-serious activities. But it’s always best to use unique passwords. Try a password manager, which can help generate and store passwords. This way, if one account gets compromised, hackers are less likely to gain access to other accounts.

The Dark Web Knows Your Secrets

Your data might already be on the dark web, bundled in a neat package for the highest bidder. But how can you know? Most individuals aren’t chomping at the bit to access the dark web and have a poke around. Thankfully, some services accomplish that task instead.

Implementing a dark web monitoring service is a great way to find out if your information is out there and help secure your accounts before they are in a position to be exploited. These services monitor forums, marketplaces, and encrypted group chats where stolen data is being sold. In a massive or localized data breach, you can find out instantly if your credentials are compromised and quickly change your passwords before hackers can use them.

Extra Protection on an Internet That Never Forgets

Online security breaches aren’t going anywhere. All signs point to them becoming more frequent and damaging. To stay ahead and avoid becoming a possible target, you must be proactive and thorough. Consider using modern security tools (unless you’re inclined to surf dark web marketplaces yourself). And remember, the best defense is knowing the game before a hacker can play it.