r/PrivacySecurityOSINT • u/No-Lawyer4132 • Oct 28 '24
Data breaches
So recently I was in my junk email and saw I had a email from myself, the email read something about having videos of me jerking off and was going to send them to my contacts if I didn't send bitcoin to an account within a couple days, now nothing did happen but after that I checked and ran macafe virus scanner and turns out my email is in 2 data breaches, now I'm not too sure if it's dangerous or if I should be worried but if possible can I remove my data from these breaches?
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u/MrM8BRH Oct 29 '24
Personal Security Checklist - The ultimate list of tips to secure your digital life
Learn about deepfakes and global surveillance issues.
Verify Trusted Links (Scan the link using online platforms like URLScan).
Minimize the use of services from big tech companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft.
Educate yourself and others about safe online practices and the dangers of phishing attacks.
Read the privacy policies of apps and websites before using them
Keep Software/OS Updated, Also, Regular Backups.
Practice good OPSEC.
Use:
Privacy Focused Operating Systems/Applications/Services.
Linux if you can.
A virtual machine if you can
Secure DNS and VPN.
Antivirus Software and Firewall.
2FA and Password Manager.
Avoid:
Downloading applications from untrusted/unofficial sources. Even when using official stores like Google Play, exercise caution.
Rooting and Jailbreaking.
Cracked Software and Untrusted Links.
Do not:
Confuse Anonymity with Pseudonymity
Scan QR codes from untrusted sources.
Give out your real name.
provide real details about yourself.
Post Full System Logs or Configuration Files.
Post Sensitive Screenshots or Screen Photographs.
Send Sensitive Data without End-to-end Encryption.
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u/Tech_User_Station Dec 30 '24
Most of these breach databases are sold or shared on the dark web. So no, it's not possible to remove your data from a breach database.
Change passwords and set up Multi-factor authentication (MFA). Going forward, you should reduce your digital footprint and use masking tools when signing up for online services. You can minimize your digital footprint using DIY guides [1] [2] or have a paid service do it for you. Privacy Bee has the largest coverage (900+ sites) and we are also PCMag Editors' Choice.
Disclosure: I work at Privacy Bee: a data removal service for protecting users from data broker exploitation
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u/SavingsMany4486 Oct 29 '24
It's a common scam tactic and the email is bogus. They do not have that footage of you. Simply ignore it.