What should you do after a data breach?
There are 8 Important steps to take to protect your personal information and minimize damage if you or someone who was supposed to be safeguarding your data were data compromised.
1. Confirm the Breach: Verify the breach occurred in the first place. Just because you got a notification from a company, does not mean it is true. Be cautious of phishing emails that might try to exploit a situation where one entity was data breached; but you had no interaction with that entity.
2. Find What Data was Stolen: Figure out the actual information that was compromised. This helps you understand the potential risks and to take appropriate actions. Was it your name? Social Security number? Or Address and E-mail address just to name a few?
3. Change Passwords: Update passwords for the affected accounts and any other accounts where you used the same password. We recommend using a password manager to help you create strong, unique passwords.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Switch to an authentication app for MFA. This adds an extra layer of security because it adds “something you have” in addition to the password you know.
5. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Be sure to contact your financial institutions to be on the lookout for anything that looks strange.
6. Freeze Your Credit: Consider freezing your credit with all three major credit bureaus to prevent new accounts from being created in your name.
7. Report Identity Theft: If you suspect identity theft, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and follow their recovery plan.
8. Stay Informed: Keep up with any updates from the company that experienced the breach and follow their recommendations for protecting your information.
Taking these steps can help you regain control and protect your personal information. If you have any specific concerns or need further help, feel free to call us at 877-686-6642!