ByDr. Tim Sandle
DIGITAL JOURNAL
November 29, 2024
Image: — © AFP
A personal data breach means a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data. Getting hold of such data is a gift to cybercriminals. But how widespread is leaked personal data?
Among the most leaked data points in the U.S., salary, eye colour, height, and other unexpected personal data stands relatively high. This has become apparent from Surfshark’s global data breach monitoring tool.
Current data indicates the U.S. has had a total of 17.5 billion personal records exposed since 2004. On average, each email address is leaked with 4 additional data points.
Furthermore, some 2.3 billion passwords were leaked together with U.S. accounts, putting more than half of the breached users in danger of account takeover that might lead to identity theft, extortion, or other cybercrimes.
The top 15 breached data points in the U.S. have been identified as:
• Password 2.3 billion
• First name 1.4 billion
• City 1.4 billion
• Last name 1.3 billion
• Zip (postal) code 1.2 billion
• Address 1.2 billion
• State of residence 1 billion
• Username 856.7 million
• Gender 787.7 million
• Country 781.5 million
• Phone 780.9 million
• IP address 627.1 million
• Password hash 611.4 million
• Name 604.9 million
• Date of birth 388.9 million
The above is taken from an assessment of 4 billion compromised Internet accounts. Of these, 896 million were identified as possessing unique email addresses, which means an average user email was breached more than four times since 2004. As a result, some data points may be duplicated.
“Information typically gets leaked by users willingly providing personal details to legitimate websites which then get stolen by malicious actors. If your data is breached, it’s important to act quickly by changing your passwords and being alert for phishing attacks,” Sarunas Sereika, Senior Product Manager at Surfshark tells Digital Journal.
Sereika continues: “To identify phishing attempts, always ask if the message was expected. Look for red flags like poor grammar, unusual content, or a suspicious sender’s email. If you’re unsure, avoid clicking on links. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Verify any suspicious communications through other channels before responding.”
Ideas for reducing electric vehicle charging costs
By Dr. Tim Sandle
November 30, 2024
By Dr. Tim Sandle
November 30, 2024
DIGITAL JOURNAL
A Togg electric car rolling off the assembly line in Gemlik near Bursa in western Turkey - Copyright AFP MOHD RASFAN
Customers of UK energy firms who drive electric vehicles are facing higher electricity costs to recharge their cars. This follows the latest rise in the energy price cap by the regulator Ofgem.
Marc Dal Cin, energy expert at EV Charger Installation, has told Digital Journal that charging an electric vehicle at home increases the home electricity bill, since the overall energy consumption goes up.
The average UK energy tariff is around 32p per kWh for home charging. A full charge for a popular model like the Nissan Leaf 3.ZERO e+ will cost approximately £17, while a larger vehicle such as the Mercedes-Benz EQE will cost £24.50. Over the course of a year, this could add up to around £884 for weekly charges, following the energy price cap increase.
Cin advises that charging at home is remains more economical than using public charging stations, which average 48p per kWh. Cin offers several tips for EV drivers looking to reduce their charging costs:
Switch to a Time-of-Use Tariff
Cin explains: “Many energy providers offer tariffs with cheaper rates during off-peak hours, usually at night. By scheduling your EV charging during these hours, you can significantly lower your costs.”
Use Smart Charging
Cin states: “Investing in a smart charger allows you to set charging times and optimise energy use. This helps avoid peak energy prices, and some systems even adapt to use renewable energy when it’s most available.”
Monitor Your Charging Habits
Cin adds: “Only charge your EV when necessary and avoid overcharging the battery. Charging too frequently or unnecessarily can lead to higher electricity bills.”
Compare Energy Tariffs
Cin outlines: “Regularly review your energy provider and compare tariffs to ensure you’re on the best deal. With prices fluctuating, switching providers can lead to significant savings.”
By following these steps, Cin expects electric vehicle drivers to be able to mitigate the impact of rising electricity prices and ensure they continue to enjoy the savings associated with driving electric vehicles.
A Togg electric car rolling off the assembly line in Gemlik near Bursa in western Turkey - Copyright AFP MOHD RASFAN
Customers of UK energy firms who drive electric vehicles are facing higher electricity costs to recharge their cars. This follows the latest rise in the energy price cap by the regulator Ofgem.
Marc Dal Cin, energy expert at EV Charger Installation, has told Digital Journal that charging an electric vehicle at home increases the home electricity bill, since the overall energy consumption goes up.
The average UK energy tariff is around 32p per kWh for home charging. A full charge for a popular model like the Nissan Leaf 3.ZERO e+ will cost approximately £17, while a larger vehicle such as the Mercedes-Benz EQE will cost £24.50. Over the course of a year, this could add up to around £884 for weekly charges, following the energy price cap increase.
Cin advises that charging at home is remains more economical than using public charging stations, which average 48p per kWh. Cin offers several tips for EV drivers looking to reduce their charging costs:
Switch to a Time-of-Use Tariff
Cin explains: “Many energy providers offer tariffs with cheaper rates during off-peak hours, usually at night. By scheduling your EV charging during these hours, you can significantly lower your costs.”
Use Smart Charging
Cin states: “Investing in a smart charger allows you to set charging times and optimise energy use. This helps avoid peak energy prices, and some systems even adapt to use renewable energy when it’s most available.”
Monitor Your Charging Habits
Cin adds: “Only charge your EV when necessary and avoid overcharging the battery. Charging too frequently or unnecessarily can lead to higher electricity bills.”
Compare Energy Tariffs
Cin outlines: “Regularly review your energy provider and compare tariffs to ensure you’re on the best deal. With prices fluctuating, switching providers can lead to significant savings.”
By following these steps, Cin expects electric vehicle drivers to be able to mitigate the impact of rising electricity prices and ensure they continue to enjoy the savings associated with driving electric vehicles.
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