Apple Data Leak

As we become more reliant on technology, more and more of our personal information finds itself stored online. This puts our data in a precarious position: criminals can hack into even the most trusted websites and, in turn, sell your data to others. A recent report found that in 2021 and 2022, 2.6 billion personal records were leaked online. This alarming statistic proves the need to secure your personal information online.

Before we start:

 

Though data leaks can make us feel unsafe online, being proactive is always the best form of defense against hackers. Among many tools you can use to check if your personal information has been victim to a data breach, give preference to MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard. It scrapes the data from a constantly updating leaks list and will tell send you immediate alerts in case your email belongs to it. This means you’ll know exactly which passwords you’ll need to reset.

 

To use MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard:

1. Download and install MacKeeper.
2. Select ID Theft Guard from the side menu, then click Check for Breaches.
3. Enter your email address and then click Start Scan.
4. You’ll receive a code from MacKeeper in your email inbox. Enter this code into MacKeeper to verify you own your email account.
5. Once verified, ID Theft Guard will show any data breaches where your personal information has been leaked.
6. If some of your passwords have been leaked, change them immediately. Don’t use the old passwords to sign in to any website.

What is the Apple data leak

Apple may alert you if your data is leaked, but what does that mean? A data leak is when a website is hacked, and criminals post or sell your personal information online to others.

Did Apple have a data leak

As part of their macOS security features, Apple can issue alerts to you if they detect that one of your passwords has been compromised. This is not due to a data leak at Apple, but rather a data leak on another website you use. If you get this alert, you should immediately check which of your passwords has been compromised using a tool such as MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard.

Should you be worried about Apple data leak

Apple uses some of the best encryption technologies to secure your data, but that still doesn’t make them immune to data breaches. If you’ve received a data leak notification, find out what to do after a data breach.

Why did you receive an Apple data leak notification

If you’ve received an Apple data leak notification, this means that one of your passwords has been leaked in a data breach and is now in the public domain.

Is Apple data leak warning real

Yes, the Apple data breach warning is real. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that someone has logged into one of your accounts. The warning alerts you to change any instances of your leaked password online.

How does Apple know your password was in a data leak

When hackers steal personal info such as passwords, they attempt to sell login details to other criminals online. Companies like Apple and MacKeeper will obtain the details from these data breaches to inform their customers that their personal information has been leaked online and ask them to update their passwords to protect their identity.

What is the Apple Data Security Recommendations feature

Apple’s Data Security Recommendations are Apple’s suggestions to update any weak passwords they’ve identified. This helps you to be proactive in protecting yourself in the event of a data breach.

How to use Apple's security recommendations

To use Apple’s security recommendations on your Mac:

1. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
2. Select Passwords from the System Preferences menu.
3. Tick the Detect Compromised Passwords box.

How to protect yourself from Apple data leaks

Though data leaks can be intimidating, and make you feel unsafe online, you can be proactive and protect against data breaches using the following methods:

1. Use password managers with caution
2. Set up two-factor authentication
3. Keep your software up to date
4. Follow Apple’s security recommendations
5. Change passwords regularly
6. Get rid of inactive accounts

1. Use password managers with caution

Some password managers are already built into popular browsers like Safari and Chrome, and there are also more bespoke, encryption-based password managers such as OnePassword and LastPass. Though they’re convenient, they may not always be the safest way to store your data.

For example, in 2022, hackers gained access to LastPass’ source code. Though passwords were not leaked, other customer information, such as email addresses, were exposed. Hence, to avoid such situations and protect yourself, we recommend using MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard in addition to reputable password managers.

2. Set up two-factor authentication

Nowadays, most of us have experienced using two-factor authentication (2FA), but may be unaware of what it is. 2FA requires you to enter a password and a code, which is usually sent via SMS or email.

This extra level of security means that hackers who have your password will still be unable to access your account without access to your email or mobile phone. Many websites and apps have 2FA as an option, including Facebook and Google, so you can turn it on in your account settings.

3. Keep your software up to date

Though they can be slightly annoying at times, you should keep your Mac’s software updated. Every single software and macOS update Apple issues has important security patches that will protect your Mac from viruses. The best way to stay safe is to turn on automatic software updates, and here’s how to do it:

1. Click the Apple logo in the corner of your display, and then select System Preferences.
2. Select Software Update in the System Preferences menu.
3. Tick the box labelled Automatically keep my Mac up to date.

4. Follow Apple's security recommendations

If you use Safari, or store passwords on your iPhone or iPad, you’re likely using Apple’s password storage feature. This can be handy as it means you don’t have to remember every password, and can generate unique, secure passwords in just one click.

Hint from our experts: 

 

Apple recommends that you safeguard your email addresses to ensure they haven’t been accessed by criminals. To do it, use MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard that will scan thousands of known data breaches so you know exactly which of your passwords may have been compromised.

 

To use MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard:

1. Download MacKeeper.
2. Navigate to ID Theft Guard in the side menu and click on Check for Breaches.
3. Type your email address and click Start Scan.
4. MacKeeper will send a verification code to your email. Enter this code in MacKeeper to confirm your email address.
5. After verification, ID Theft Guard will display any data breaches involving your personal information, including passwords.
6. If any of your passwords have been compromised, change them immediately.

5. Change passwords regularly

You’ve likely heard this a million times before, but we’d like to remind you that the best way to protect yourself from any data leak is to regularly change your passwords. This is especially true for your Apple ID or any banking or shopping websites, where your financial details may be held.

Important: 

 

If you’re unsure how to reset your Apple ID password, check out our thorough guide here.

6. Get rid of inactive accounts

The more online accounts you have, the more likely your details are leaked in a data breach. That’s why, keep on top of any accounts you have, especially on websites that you don’t use anymore, and delete those accounts ASAP.

To do this, login to the site or app you no longer use, and go to your account settings. Here, there should be an option to close your account.

Conclusion

The internet can be an increasingly scary place, with criminals fighting each other to obtain as much personal information about you as possible. For this reason, our advice for you is to stay proactive and protect your sensitive information from prying eyes.

It’s only by using MacKeeper and its host of security features that you can begin to feel safe online. Though we’ve run through ID Theft Guard and its benefits, MacKeeper can do far, far more than just that. Its security features are all-encompassing: a built-in Antivirus and the reliable VPN Private Connect to stop hackers from stalking your online activity. So, if you’d like to be confident surfing the net again, download MacKeeper today.