In light of recent cyber-attacks affecting local councils and major retailers, the Cyber and Fraud Hub has launched a new guide: Protecting Your Personal Information: A Guide to Data Breaches. 

This free guide aims to raise public awareness of what data breaches are, how they happen, the steps individuals can take to protect themselves, and how to respond if their data is compromised.

“With data breaches becoming more frequent and sophisticated, many people don’t realise how their data is being collected, how it might be used by cyber criminals, or what to do if it ends up in the wrong hands” said Alex Dowall, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Hub. “This guide was created to make that information accessible, actionable and easy to understand.”

As personal data becomes more valuable (and more vulnerable), understanding how it’s collected, stored, and sometimes compromised is more important than ever.

The guide includes practical advice on:

• What personal data is and how it’s collected.

• How data breaches occur and how cyber criminals exploit stolen data.

• Identifying and avoiding common threats that can follow a breach.

• Recognising the signs of identity theft and how to prevent it.

• Practical steps to secure online accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

Whether it’s a major cyber-attack on a large organisation or a smaller data leak, the impact can still be significant on the individual. This guide empowers people with the tools and knowledge they need to stay safer online.

Recommended reading

• Cyber Scams Cost 94% of Firms £500M in 2024
• Cybersecurity in 2024 | The High Cost of Innovation
• AI in Cybersecurity | Navigating the Promises and Risks

If you are concerned that you have been a victim of cyber crime or fraud, you can call the Cyber and Fraud Hub’s Incident Helpline for free on 0808 281 3580 or contact at info@cyberfraudhub.org.