Last week, information was published about a large leak of Polish internet users' login data. The leak, reported by the media, is a set of data from private computers of users infected with malware that steals their passwords.
What is a data leak?
A data leak occurs when personal information, such as logins, email addresses, passwords, private message content, or financial data, is leaked outside of a protected database. The consequence of a data leak is its disclosure to unauthorized individuals, who can gain access and use it for various purposes. Disclosure of this data is illegal and can pose a risk to those affected.
How do I check if my data has been leaked?
Each affected party should be informed by the administrator about the data breach, its possible consequences, and the measures they should take to minimize the risk, as well as the measures the administrator has taken to minimize future risks. The stolen data may be used to steal money or incur various liabilities.
Additionally, there are tools that allow you to check whether your data has not been compromised.
This can be done on the website created by the Central Information Technology Center – www.bezpiecznedane.gov.pl . After logging in with a Trusted Profile, it is possible to verify and check whether the data has been made public.
Another website that allows you to check whether your data has been illegally made public is www.haveibeenpwned.com . This website allows you to check which websites have made your data public in connection with the email address you provided.
What to do if your data has been leaked?
If your login and password data have been leaked, the first step is to change them so that it is not possible to use old logins and passwords to log in to your account.
If your bank card numbers have been leaked, it's necessary to block your card at your bank. Most mobile banking apps allow you to do this quickly and easily.
If you've lost your ID card or your data has been leaked, file a complaint with your local government office or online. If you'd like to report the loss or damage of your ID card online, you'll need a Trusted Profile, a qualified certificate, or an e-ID card. These documents allow you to confirm your identity.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Legal status as of June 7, 2023
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