A data breach is an illegal act of someone who steals other people’s personal, and most of the time confidential information. Suspects of data breach steal the information by hacking companies that need to store such information. Since one email account now links you to a lot of different accounts, suspects find it easier to steal a bunch of personal information.
Forbes reported the Identity Theft Resource Centre (ITRC) states at least three data breaches happen every day. Roughly, there were over 4 million information stolen in 2019. Everyone can become the victim of a data breach, including you. Below are things to do if you experience a data breach.
Calm down and check if you are one of the data breach victims
The simplest way to find out, as quoted from Forbes, is to use the site haveibeenpwned. The site tracks your email address, finds out where the leak comes from, and what kind of information is leaked. If necessary, sign up for the site. Whenever there is any information leak, the site will alarm you.
Different types of information leak lead to different executions too. While information such as name, or phone number is mostly less detrimental, more crucial information could be stolen. You will need to take more steps to secure your account if they have your email address, passwords, or even credit card information or Social Security number.
Reach financial institutions and credit bureaus
Call your bank or the organization of your credit card for your leaked credit card numbers. Ask to freeze, or even cancel the card. If there are any suspicious transactions already, report them.
Take more measures to save your name by contacting credit-reporting bureaus. Placing a fraud alert on your name will help you a lot. That way, the company will alert you for your personal data misuse.
Take care of your account to avoid another data breach
The most important thing is to secure your login credentials. Take your time to change your password, username, pin numbers, and security questions. If possible, try to have different passwords for different accounts. Jot down everything so that you don’t forget them.
Sign up to credit monitoring service
Sometimes, the company where your information is breached will offer you identity theft protection or credit monitoring services. Don’t hesitate to sign yourself up. Even better, sign up for at least one credit monitoring service. There are also some free services that Forbes recommends, namely Credit Karma or Credit Sesame.
If you opt for other companies, Privacy Police suggests to take the service that offers you a credit-alert related system, a guarantee, and a remediation service. Such services can cost you some, but you most probably won’t be needing the priciest plan. Choose what suits you best.
