You may have seen in the news that there was recently a massive data breach that exposed billions of passwords across many major companies, such as Apple, Facebook, and Google.
Important: Spero Financial was NOT impacted by these breaches.
Spero Financial is committed to maintaining the safety and security of our members’ data. As such, we wanted to make you aware of this recent news, so that you can ensure your login credentials on the impacted platforms are secure and closely monitored.
“Our members’ trust is at the heart of everything we do,” said Kevin Brannon, Chief Technology Officer at Spero Financial. “That’s why we invest in advanced security infrastructure and continuously monitor for potential threats—so our members can feel confident their data is safe with us. Just as important, we’re committed to keeping our members in the know when it comes to the security of their personal information. Transparency and education are key parts of our protection strategy.”
What happened?
Earlier this month, researchers at cybernews.com reported that over 16 billion login credentials have been exposed in a data breach. Users’ credentials of major companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook were included in the leaks.
The leaked data is spread across multiple databases online, including email addresses, passwords, and more. Cybercriminals often steal this information for malicious purposes including identity theft.
How do I know if my information was leaked?
To see if your email address is linked to any data breaches, visit https://haveibeenpwned.com/ and input your email. The website will search records of known data breaches and let you know if you have been impacted.
What can I do to protect myself?
Even if you don’t think your passwords were exposed, there are a few things you can do to make sure your personal information remains safe.
1) Reset your passwords (just in case)!
It’s a good idea to reset the password(s) for any platform (such as Facebook, Apple, etc.) that contain important personal information, even if you don’t think you’ve been impacted. Make sure to create strong passwords to make it more difficult for hackers to guess them.
2) Never reuse passwords.
Although it’s more convenient to re-use one password across multiple platforms, it’s best to create unique passwords for each. That way, if one is compromised, the rest remain safe.
3) Turn on Two-Factor/Multi-Factor Authentication.
2-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication is a great way to add extra security. By using 2FA apps or receiving a text or email with a passcode when you log in, you make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your personal data.
4) Keep an eye out for suspicious activities.
Make sure you’re paying attention for anything strange going on – settings changes, messages you didn’t send, password reset emails that you did not request, etc. If you notice something out of the norm, it may be a good idea to reset your password and contact customer support to make sure your access is secure.
Looking Forward
When it comes to your personal data, staying informed and proactive is your strongest defense. While we continue to invest in top-tier security and monitor threats around the clock, your awareness and action play a critical role in protection. By taking simple steps—like updating passwords and enabling two-factor authentication—you help safeguard your digital life.
We're committed not only to securing your information, but also to keeping you informed every step of the way. Explore the resources below to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and protect what matters most.
