Mark Gorrie Interview (NortonLifelock) #DataBreaches #OnlineSafety
We catch-up with Mark Gorrie, Senior Director for NortonLifelock (APAC) to discuss the recent data breaches in Australia who also shares advice on how to protect your identity online.
Welcome to Impulse Gamer Mark! Were you surprised by recent data breaches?
Working in the cybersecurity industry our focus is on helping people enjoy everything the digital world has to offer. With that in-mind, we are tuned-in to what’s happening internationally, we see breaches around the world impacting on consumer’s daily lives, with their data and personal information being released into the wrong hands. In fact, we know third party breaches are a daily occurrence, that it’s the bigger numbers that hit the headlines – small organisations are also targeted by cybercriminals, so the real surprise is the level of data compromised within this one breach.
We want people to know what they can do, to be alerted should their data be compromised due to a breach, for example. We are focused on giving people access to support to help them at that vulnerable time should their data lead to identity theft, as we want to help if the worst happens, loans are taken out in the victim’s name or if they experience issues accessing their accounts. I’m very glad that we are in a position to help people with these sorts of issues, with our solutions.
While our personal data handed over to companies s are entrusted into their care, what should companies or governments strive to do to prevent this occurring in the future?
From a consumer perspective you rely on organisations to deliver a medical service for example, or supply your utility services, but when choosing between services you don’t know which company has the most robust approach to protecting your personal data. While we hope the Australian Privacy Act will address the issues and help Australians with their data, once data is compromised, it can lead to issues or even identity theft. We expect more companies to invest in their cybersecurity. They will also no doubt scrutinise their incident response plans, so they can act fast in the event of a cyber-attack. At Norton our focus is on consumers and how they secure their data and devices, and I’d encourage people to take the necessary steps to be prepared should their data be breached or should they become a victim of identity theft. A dark web monitoring service will monitor for your registered personal data, so you can be alerted and take action if your driver’s licence, credit card details or other registered details appear. If you are the victim of identity theft, you may also be interested in insurance for losses as a result, but also the support of a Restoration Specialist to guide you so you can regain access to your accounts. The impact of a breach can have wide repercussions, so I’d suggest a look at our Norton Identity Advisor Plus solution.
As a user, how do we protect our sensitive data?
No matter how careful you are online – not clicking suspicious links, using caution on social media, avoiding bogus shopping deals – your data, for example your credit card details, could be compromised from something as simple as an instore purchase.
The advice from Norton for those who fear their data has been compromised, is to watch for:
- Unfamiliar charges on your bank and credit card statements
- Contact from debt collectors
- Issues signing into your accounts
- Unauthorized transactions on your accounts
- Unusual activity on your phone, and/or receiving a notification that an account might be compromised
How dangerous is the Dark Web?
Sensitive data such as passwords, home addresses, bank account numbers, and social security numbers circulate on the dark web. It is a common gathering place for hackers and other bad actors, identity thieves can buy or sell personal information to commit illicit activities. We provide a dark web monitoring service within certain plans we offer in Australia, including within Norton Identity Advisor Plus, whereby we scan the dark web and its forums for your registered information, so we can notify you to take action to secure your accounts.
With so many websites asking for our personal information, what is the solution?
In our highly connected world, websites and social media accounts do ask for a lot of information but you can choose just how much is shared, and cross-check which elements are publicly viewable and lock-down your settings. While you may take all the precautions available, a breach could still impact on your personal data, so I would urge people to look at identity solutions to help should they find themselves vulnerable.
Where does Norton come into play?
The massive data breach on the nation’s second-largest telco has coincided with our launching Norton Identity Advisor Plus in Australia. We are leveraging our expertise in resolving identity theft issues to help people protect their identity and support them should they become a victim of identity theft. Norton Identity Advisor Plus not only monitors the Dark Web to alert you if your personal information is found, it comes with Restoration support in case of identity theft and coverage for specific losses and expenses totalling $58k. Find out more on our website.
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