May 2024 - How BlackCloak Cuts Through the Noise for Our Clients

Security professionals know how prevalent data breaches are in today’s digital world. Searching for data breaches on the internet results in a countless number of results, with nearly every industry feeling the effect at some point.

The number of breaches, and the tally of data breach victims, can be dizzying. And unless you dig deep to learn about the details, it can all seem like white noise. This is also stacked up against browser and device updates released to patch security vulnerabilities cybercriminals are looking to exploit.

Yes, it’s true that all data breaches aren’t created equal, and yes, some updates are for minor functionality adjustments rather than patching a zero day vulnerability. Some incidents may have basic information compromised that won’t cause too many headaches, but others will see the leaking of sensitive information that will leave victims at real risk of harm.

The question now becomes this: How do I know which development to follow?

Luckily for our clients, BlackCloak takes the time to assess these major data breaches and security updates to ensure everyone takes the right course of action. This article will cite certain examples to highlight how BlackCloak provides clients with total peace of mind.

What BlackCloak Looks For When Cutting Through the Noise

BlackCloak does not inform our clients about every single data breach and security update that makes headlines. Doing so would ultimately do more harm than good.

Instead, BlackCloak assesses each incident by determining whether it is relevant to our client base, and whether there’s a call to action the client can take part in.

If BlackCloak were to notify clients about every single breach, and tell them there’s no action they need to take, alarm fatigue can set in. Clients may tune out these other notices, and when it comes time to pay attention to a breach that can cause them direct harm, they may skip over it.

For example, BlackCloak is currently looking at a breach affecting Christie’s auction house. This breach caught BlackCloak’s attention, as it may be particularly relevant to our client base.

The details about what personal information was exposed in the breach has not been fully disclosed yet, but that hasn’t stopped our team from taking on the case.

BlackCloak’s staff will examine the leaked data set to see whether any of our client’s have been compromised in the incident. If we find one of our clients is listed among the data breach victims, we will reach out to them directly and help them with whatever they need to minimize their risk.

Our mission is not only to help our clients protect their digital assets, but also to avoid spreading unnecessary fear. If BlackCloak comes to one of our clients with the message that they have been impacted by a breach, we want to place them in the best position to be safe in the aftermath.

Calls to Action Are Key

When BlackCloak informs a client they have been affected by a breach, or that one of their devices or browsers are vulnerable, our goal is to guide them to the actions they need to take to protect themselves.

BlackCloak will assess what information is exposed and advise appropriately. Are Social Security numbers exposed? BlackCloak will help clients place credit freezes and fraud alerts on their accounts. What about passwords? BlackCloak can educate clients on password best practices and how to use a password vault. Are there concerns about phishing emails? Our staff will assess each message to determine whether they are legitimate.

BlackCloak also teaches clients why they should update their browsers and devices, offering step-by-step instructions on how to do so.

These calls to action give clients an active role in protecting their digital lives. No one needs to be a bystander and just hope their data isn’t misused or that cybercriminals will just ignore their vulnerable device or browser.

Instead, clients can take matters into their own hands and take the necessary steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. BlackCloak’s role is to shine a light on the breaches and updates they should focus on, give them the tools they need act, and to always be in the background at the ready for the next digital threat that will ultimately manifest.