Why Cybercriminals Are Saving Your Data for Later
Imagine someone breaking into your house, stealing a safe they can’t open yet, and planning to crack it in a few years when they get better tools. That’s exactly what cybercriminals are doing with your data today.
This method is called “harvest now, decrypt later.” Hackers are stealing encrypted files now, knowing that powerful computers in the future will eventually be able to unlock them. The scary part? Your sensitive data could already be sitting in a hacker’s storage, just waiting for the right time.
What Are They Saving?
They’re after emails, donation records, financial data, medical info, and anything else that could be valuable, either now or years from now. Even if your data is encrypted today, it may not stay protected in the future if quantum computers become strong enough to break current security standards.
According to experts, this is not science fiction. Countries and cybercrime groups are already collecting encrypted data for future use. The U.S. government has started preparing for this very threat because quantum computers could be widely available by the 2030s.
Why Should You Care Now?
It’s easy to think, “We’ll handle it when the time comes.” But if hackers steal your encrypted data today, it may be too late to protect it tomorrow.
For example:
- A donor list or financial record you thought was safe might be leaked years from now.
- Student or employee data could be exposed long after someone has left your organization.
- You might face fines or lawsuits if private data becomes public, even years after it was stolen.
What You Can Do Today
Here are simple steps you can take now to protect your data:
- Tell your IT provider to start planning for quantum security. There are new types of encryption designed to stay strong even in a world with quantum computers.
- Use flexible systems. Make sure your systems can upgrade to new security tools as they become available.
- Protect your most important data first. Not all data is equal, start with financial records, donor information, and personal details.
- Back up data securely. Store backups in places that use strong encryption and modern protection.
We Help You Stay One Step Ahead
You don’t need to be a tech expert to take this threat seriously. At LeadingIT, we’ve helped Chicago-area organizations protect their data for years. We stay ahead of emerging threats and help schools, nonprofits, and businesses do the same, so your information stays protected both now and in the future.
Talk to our team today about how to prepare for tomorrow’s cybersecurity challenges.
