Data breaches have become an inevitable risk in today’s digital age.
As major corporations, government agencies, and even local businesses around Central Florida become victims of cyberattacks, it’s important to know what to do in case your personal information is compromised.
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Stay informed
- Monitor notifications: If a business notifies you that your data was part of a breach, take it seriously. Breaches may expose sensitive information like your social security number, bank details, or passwords. In fact, in 2023 alone, there were 5.4 million reports of identity theft filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Follow trusted sources: Keep an eye on reputable news outlets or official statements from the affected company to understand the scope of the breach.
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Change your passwords
- Act fast: Change passwords for the breached accounts and any other accounts using the same or similar passwords. The FTC recommends doing this as soon as you’re aware of a breach.
- Use strong, unique passwords: You should develop strong, complex passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols. It would be helpful to invest in a password manager to keep track of them.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Add an extra layer of security: MFA requires a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone, making it much harder for hackers to access your accounts even if they have your password. Cybersecurity experts emphasize this as one of the most effective ways to protect your accounts.
Keep a close eye on your finances
- Check for unusual activity: Look out for any unusual activity on your bank statements, credit cards, and other financial accounts.
- Set up alerts: Set up transaction alerts through your bank or credit card company so that you are instantly notified of any suspicious activity. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) suggests this as a preventative measure to catch fraud early.
Freeze your credit
- Stop identity theft: Placing a freeze on your credit report prevents creditors from accessing it, making it difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. You can unfreeze it later when you need to apply for credit.
- Contact credit bureaus: Reach out to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion about a credit freeze. The CFPB explains the process for each bureau on its website.
Beware of phishing scams
- Look out for suspicious emails: After a breach, you may be targeted by phishing scams. Be cautious of unsolicited emails asking for personal information or containing suspicious links.
- Verify the source: Verify the legitimacy of any email or phone call by contacting the company directly using a known, official number or website. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers guidelines on recognizing and avoiding phishing scams.
Check your insurance coverage
- Review policies: Some insurance policies, including homeowners and renters’ insurance, offer coverage for identity theft. Check if your policy includes this protection and what it covers.
Consider identity theft protection services
- Evaluate your options: · There are services available that can monitor your identity, alert you to potential threats, and assist with identity recovery if you need it.
Report identity theft
- Act fast: If you think your identity has been stolen, report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. They will guide you through the recovery process.
Stay vigilant
- Frequent monitoring: The effects of a data breach can be long-lasting. Monitor your accounts and credit reports regularly. Be especially careful sharing personal information online.
In today’s world, it’s not a question of if you’ll be involved in a data breach, but when. By taking these steps, you can better protect yourself and lessen the damage if your information ends up in the wrong hands.
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