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Safeguarding Personal Data in the Wake of Hacks and Leaks

The security of personal data has become a top priority in the current digital era. With recent events like the Northern Ireland data breach, people are understandably concerned about the security of their personal data after a hack or leak.

The recent data breach in Northern Ireland, as reported by BBC, has raised alarms about the vulnerability of personal information. The breach exposed sensitive data related to police officers and staff, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The incident underscores the reality that even organizations with high-level security systems can fall victim to cyberattacks. As the BBC article points out, such breaches can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individuals' privacy but also national security.

Yahoo News' coverage of data breach aftermaths highlights the importance of immediate action in response to such incidents. "The first hours and days after a data breach are crucial," says cybersecurity expert Emily Roberts. "Rapid response and transparency can help mitigate the damage and rebuild trust."Emphasis on a swift and transparent response from authorities and organizations can play a pivotal role in maintaining public confidence.

In the wake of these incidents, individuals are left wondering how safe their data truly is. While complete immunity from cyber threats may be unattainable, there are steps that can be taken to enhance data security. Implementing strong, unique passwords, using multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating software are some basic practices that can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches. Additionally, being cautious of sharing personal information online and using secure, reputable platforms for transactions and communications is essential.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying informed about the latest developments in cybersecurity is crucial. The Yahoo News report stresses the significance of continuous learning: "Hackers adapt quickly, so staying updated about new threats and protection strategies is a continuous process."

Personal data security following a hack or leak is a complicated subject that requires consideration from all parties, including individuals, companies, and government. The recent events reported by numerous news sources serve as a warning that nobody is completely safe from cyber dangers. However, people may make tremendous progress in protecting their important information in an increasingly digital world by taking proactive actions, upholding open communication, and remaining informed.

Ireland suspected Russian hackers of attacking the health service

 The National Cyber Security Centre of Ireland (NCSC) believes that the attack on the country's  Health Service Executive (HSE)  was most likely carried out by a group that is allegedly based in Russia.

The HSE said on May 14 that its IT systems were shut down after a hacker attack. The country's health ministry later announced that it was also cyberattacked on May 13.

On May 15, the American technology news site Bleeping Computer posted a message from hackers purportedly addressed to the HSE. In it, the attackers claim to have gained access to the HSE network more than two weeks ago. They are demanding a $ 20 million ransom for more than 700 gigabytes of personal data. The Irish authorities refused to pay the ransom.

According to local TV channel RTE, the Irish cybersecurity services believe that the attack was carried out by the Wizard Spider hacker group, which is allegedly based in St. Petersburg. It is reported that local officials have already contacted the Russian authorities. The Russian Ambassador to Ireland Yuri Filatov condemned the cyberattack and offered the government assistance in investigating the case.

The channel also reports that hackers provided the country's authorities with decryption keys, but in messages addressed to HSE employees, the attackers said that if they were not contacted, they would publish or sell personal data.

According to the channel, the attackers could have been pressured by the country or countries where they are based due to the damage done to the health care system in Ireland.

It is reported that the received keys are checked by an IT company hired by the HSE, and experts have reason to believe that the keys are genuine. However, they will not be used until they have passed a full malware scan. According to RTE, this is likely to take several days.

The West has repeatedly accused the Russian Federation of interfering in internal affairs and cyber attacks. Russia has denied all the charges, saying that Western countries have not provided any evidence. Moscow has repeatedly stated that it is ready for a dialogue on cybersecurity.