In the past, we discussed one of the most overlooked topics in security, linkability, and why this topic should concern everyone when it comes to their security. As we learned, this inherently involves data (see the video for why this matters). However, linkability doesn't stop in what we discussed. In some cases, linkability is a huge risk factor because of events that we did not anticipate. For an example, we know that data leaks occur regularly - companies that "store" our information end up being compromised with information leaked. Designs intended to protect consumer data, like data masking or bureaucratic audits, are completely laughable because they do absolutely nothing to protect consumers' data, as we see from leak after leak. Even teams with the "best talent" in the world, like Facebook, still face embarrassing data leaks. The result of this is that attackers can aggregate attack points on us. In the discussion, Linkability, Data Leaks and Why Identity Sharding Isn't Effective, we look further into linkability in this context.

Some important questions and discussions mentioned in the video that are worth reviewing:

• What should be consider with any behavior online as far as their linkability is concerned?
• How should we approach our data when we consider that any company storing our data will probably be compromised in the future with our information being leaked?
• Using examples from the video, even if we have a user who is strict with their information, why may this not be enough security when a data leak occurs?
• How might a hacker identify personal identifiable details about a person from multiple data leaks? Consider the context of data aggregation, what are the dangers here regarding companies storing this information?
• Why is data sharding ineffective to protect against linkability?
• Even if we have an individual who shards their identity well, what are some factors they may overlook?
• What are two costs mentioned in the video that may occur because of data leaks and linkability?

It is worth noting that all of this occurs because consumers love "free" and "convenient" which don't exist. No service on the internet is free because the cost is your information. You would be wiser to avoid all free products and pay for everything simply because it would make you less likely to use anything, which would reduce danger to your security. However, you won't because free is irresistable to most people. There is a marketing reason why "free" and "convenient" are pitched to consumers: they are effective.

As of 2021, Automating ETL, I have added material on ETL in the context of cybersecurity. As more data leaks occur - and these will grow in time - this material will important for students who eventually want to work in the data industry. For a coupon to the course, check out the trailer video on the channel SQL In Six Minutes.

Keep in mind that we're not discussing any meta-analysis or meta information from data that may be more valuable. For an example, most of us in the tech field understand that images often have underlying meta information that can be extremely valuable and reveal key details. However, even beyond that is the very nature of the image itself. The fact that a person would take an image of something tells us everything about the person - what does the image communicate about the person? This can be especially useful in social engineering, just like social media use can be useful in social engineering. This information is often provided to hackers completely free by users because of social intentions without the consideration of security. In these cases, we cannot criticize companies for the way their users are choosing to use companies' platforms.

As I predicted on a webcast in 2013, data leaks will continue to occur and grow in size. This will mean that more of your information is leaked to other parts of your information, impacting your identity. There are significant costs to this. As we've seen, modern security techniques and audits all fail and completely misunderstand the problem. The solution can only occur at the consumer level because companies and governments are too quick to collect data, even if this amplifies dangers or relies on misguided assumptions.

Further Learning

If the concept of data and security excite or interests you, the below videos make a solid place to start. Unfortunately, very few people discuss key cybersecurity topics like linkability or incentives, which are more important in some cases than the technical focus. The below learning material covers these key concepts to get you started in the dangerous world of data and security.

• What Everyone Should Know About Hackers - Who and Why
• Should We Use the Latest Features/Updates In Development?
• Why Everyone Is Freaking Out About Intellectual Property Theft
• What Is Linkability?
• What Are Sim-Swaps (Sim-Swap Attacks)?
• Advanced Phishing Email - When Protective AI May Harm
• How To Compromise A Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallet
• Oh No, A Hacker Caught Me!

Are you considering a design that involves storing significant personal information? Given the increase in attacks and leaks with personal data, you would be best to avoid this. But this will involve creativity and re-considering how you develop an idea that succeeds. For alternative designs that are profitable, you can get in touch and we'll review your idea and how it can be architected to protect your customers, while also protecting your company from future liability. You can contact for assistance.

SQL In Six Minutes (YouTube) | SQL In Six Minutes (Odysee) | Automating ETL | T-SQL In 2 Hours | Consumer Guide To Digital Security