Data Breaches on the Rise: Real Steps to Protect Your Digital Identity

Data breach incidents have resurfaced after a number of global technology companies reported unauthorized access to customer databases. In recent weeks, millions of users received notifications that their personal information—from names and addresses to passwords—may have fallen into the hands of hackers. This phenomenon is no longer an isolated case, but a signal that current digital security architectures are not yet fully capable of holding back increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.

According to a recent report from a cybersecurity research institute, the frequency of data breaches has risen 30 percent year-on-year over the past three years. Criminals are not only targeting large companies, but also e-commerce platforms, health services, and financial institutions that store sensitive data. The stolen data is then sold on dark forums or used for identity fraud, opening fake accounts, and account takeover.

In Indonesia, this threat is increasingly real. The National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) recorded more than 1.6 billion suspicious traffic anomalies throughout 2024, with the banking and retail sectors as the main targets. The public is faced with a dilemma: on one hand, digital services offer convenience; on the other, the risk of data misuse haunts every transaction. Without collective awareness, victims could continue to pile up.

Preventive steps are not always complicated. Security experts recommend using a unique password for each account, rather than relying on one combination for multiple services. If one platform suffers a breach, hackers cannot use the same credentials to break into other accounts. In addition, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of defense that has proven effective in thwarting illegal access.

"The biggest mistake users make is assuming cybersecurity is solely the company's responsibility. In fact, the first layer of defense is in the hands of the individual," said Jan Diaz, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the Northern Indiana region, as quoted from the South Bend Tribune.

Beyond strengthening accounts, users need to be careful about sharing personal information on social media. Details such as date of birth, family members' names, or home address can be the key for hackers to answer security questions or carry out social engineering. Reviewing privacy settings regularly and avoiding uploading sensitive data are preventive steps that are often overlooked.

When receiving a breach notification, do not panic and do not immediately click links in the email. Phishing schemes disguised as official notices often exploit the victim's panic. Verify directly on the company's website or contact customer service through a known channel. If credit card data is exposed, immediately request a card replacement and enable transaction notifications.

For those seeking stronger protection, the fraud alert or credit freeze options can be considered. A fraud alert requires financial institutions to perform extra verification before opening new credit, while a credit freeze restricts access to credit reports, making it difficult for perpetrators to open accounts in the victim's name. In Indonesia, similar services are starting to be offered by several banks and financial services authorities, though coverage is not yet even.

The impact of a data breach does not stop after a password is changed or a new card is received. Continuous monitoring of account activity and credit reports is still needed for at least the next 6–12 months. Hackers often delay exploiting data to avoid detection, so long-term vigilance is non-negotiable.

Going forward, digital security challenges will become increasingly complex with the adoption of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). Personal data protection regulations in Indonesia, such as the PDP Law, have indeed been passed, but their implementation still faces obstacles in supervision and law enforcement. The question is, are the public and industry players ready to invest more in security, or will we continue to be easy targets in cyberspace?