Cybercriminals Exploit Data Breaches Long After the Initial Incident, Warns DNA Expert A recent analysis by Heidi Havastila, responsible for DNA’s value-added services, highlights how data breaches extend far beyond the initial incident, with criminals leveraging leaked information for prolonged fraud campaigns. Stolen data is frequently repurposed for targeted phishing attacks, account takeovers, and identity theft, leaving victims vulnerable long after the breach occurs. During the summer months, scammers capitalize on high-volume transactions such as travel bookings, event ticket purchases, or online orders by impersonating trusted entities like delivery services, ticket vendors, or accommodation platforms. These phishing attempts appear more convincing when recipients are expecting related communications, lowering their guard. Havastila emphasizes that proactive security measures can significantly reduce risks. Users should limit the personal data shared with services, particularly with lesser-known platforms, and avoid disclosing sensitive information like national ID numbers or banking details unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, securing mobile devices is critical, as lost or stolen phones with exposed unlock codes can grant attackers access to emails, social media, financial accounts, and payment services. A major vulnerability remains password reuse. If a single password is compromised in a breach, attackers can exploit it across multiple services. Havastila advises using unique passwords for each platform and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to prevent account hijackings. In the event of a suspected breach, swift action is essential. Victims should immediately change passwords for the affected service and any others using the same credentials, enable 2FA, monitor financial transactions, and log out of all devices. Post-breach, users must remain vigilant against phishing attempts, avoiding links in unsolicited messages and instead accessing services directly via official websites or apps. Havastila concludes that data breaches are now a routine part of digital life, with the best defense being preparedness minimizing shared data, securing accounts, and responding quickly to minimize damage. Finnish citizens can find guidance on handling data leaks through the Suomi.fi portal.