Data breaches are on the rise in our online age. Regardless of whether the breach is at a major corporation or a smaller entity, having your personal data exposed can result in identity theft, financial fraud, and other security threats. By acting quickly and in an informed manner, you can better avoid the risks of harm.
Steps to Protect Your Data in the Event of a Data Breach
Step 1: Verify the Breach
When you suspect a breach, confirm the notification by searching for a formal notification from the company or service provider regarding the breach and be wary of phishing emails or scam calls imitating beach notifications, while also investigating the incident by consulting reputable news sources or the company’s website for authentic information.
Step 2: Update Your Passwords
Take urgent action by changing the passwords for any involved accounts immediately, and ensure you use strong, unique passwords by creating complicated passwords for every account; consider using a solid password manager like 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane, or Bitwarden to store them securely.
Step 3: Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Turn on 2FA on all accounts where it is supported to add an extra security layer that introduces an additional verification step in the login process, making it far more challenging for attackers to gain access even if they have your password.
Step 4: Watch Your Accounts
Regularly verify your bank and credit card accounts by monitoring your financial statement or any usual or unauthorized purchases while also keeping an eye on your online accounts and email for any unsolicited changes or login notifications that might indicate suspicious behavior.
Step 5: Put Frauds Alerts and Suspend Credit
Call the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and request a fraud alert on your credit report, and consider a credit freeze that limit access to your credit report which makes it more difficult for identity thieves to use your information to open new accounts in your name.
Step 6: Report the Breach
Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov since this website offers step-by-step instructions on what to do after a data breach, and if the identity theft is extreme, file a report with your local police.
Step 7: Update Security Software and Devices
Run security scans on your computer, phone, and other devices by ensuring they are equipped with up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware programs, and make sure to perform regular updates on your operating systems and software to guard against known vulnerabilities.
Step 8: Stay Informed and Educated
Follow reliable sources by periodically checking for updates on data breaches and cybersecurity from trusted sources practice safe online behavior learning the best practices for online security to assist in preventing future breaches.
