When a data breach occurs, it leaves you feeling vulnerable. You might receive an email or letter from a company notifying you that your data has been compromised—a scenario that’s all too common nowadays.
Data breaches can happen at banks, social media platforms like Facebook, online stores, and even government agencies. This puts personal information such as your address, Social Security number, and credit card details at risk of being stolen.
While you have little control over a company being hacked, there are critical actions you can take afterwards. Below, we’ve outlined the key steps to help minimize potential financial losses and protect your information.
Change Your Passwords
The first step is to change your passwords immediately. Start with the service that notified you of the breach, then update any other accounts that share the same password.
This highlights the importance of using unique passwords for every site. Many people fall into the habit of reusing passwords across multiple accounts, which increases the risk if one login is compromised. A password manager can help you generate and store strong passwords, so you only need to remember one master password to access all your accounts securely.
Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, even if a hacker manages to steal your password. Start by enabling MFA on the affected service, then make sure it’s activated on all other accounts that support it. MFA, also known as two-factor authentication or two-step verification, helps protect your accounts by requiring more than just a password to log in.
Common forms of MFA are:
- Text message
- Authentication app
- Security key
Check Your Bank Accounts
If your payment card details were compromised, monitor your bank accounts closely for several weeks for any unauthorized transactions. Contact your bank immediately to request a new card if necessary.
Make sure to inform your bank about the third-party breach. Doing so can protect you from being held liable for fraudulent charges. Acting quickly allows your bank to assist you in taking the right steps to prevent further fraud.
Freeze Your Credit
Cybercriminals frequently sell stolen personal information, which can be used to open credit accounts in your name. To protect yourself, reach out to the three major credit bureaus. Each one offers a way to freeze your credit, preventing unauthorized access. You can easily initiate this process directly on their websites.
The three credit agencies are:
Carefully Review the Breach Notification
It’s crucial to fully understand the potential impact of the data breach on you. Carefully read the notification you received and check the company’s website for any additional updates or information.
These are the things you should be looking for:
- The specific data that was compromised (such as passwords, card numbers, etc.)
- The steps the company is taking to address the breach (e.g., offering credit monitoring)
- Any guidance provided to help you secure your account
Make a habit of checking the company’s website regularly. Initially, they might not have a full understanding of the breach’s extent. By revisiting the site, you could discover that additional sensitive information has been compromised.
Get Good Cybersecurity Protection
Ensure your device and network are secure by using simple tools to enhance your personal security. Some of these essential tools include:
- A good antivirus/anti-malware program
- DNS filtering to block malicious sites
- Email spam filtering for phishing
A VPN is another effective tool for safeguarding your online activity. It helps conceal your internet traffic, which is especially useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. VPNs are user-friendly and can be used on both computers and mobile devices for added security.
Be On the Lookout for Phishing Scams
Email addresses are commonly compromised in data breaches, leading to a surge in phishing attempts. These scams can be particularly deceptive, as cybercriminals now use AI to make their phishing emails appear almost identical to legitimate ones, making them difficult to distinguish from genuine communications.
Stay ultra-aware of any unexpected emails. Follow best practices to avoid becoming a phishing victim:
- Hover over links to preview their destination before clicking
- Visit websites directly instead of clicking on links in emails or SMS
- Be cautious of messages from unfamiliar senders
- Stay alert for phishing attempts on social media and through text messages
- When unsure, verify the information through official channels
Make Sure to Update Software & Systems
Hackers frequently target unpatched vulnerabilities, which typically arise from neglecting to keep software up to date.
Ensure your device’s operating system is current, along with all apps and software. Don’t forget to update the firmware for your routers, printers, and smart devices.
With so many updates required for our electronics, automating them is an excellent way to maintain security and stay protected.
Managed Security Services You Can Count On
Managed services provide ongoing protection for both your home and workplace. Looking to enhance your device security? We’re here to help with tailored solutions.
Reach out today to set up a consultation on improving your device security.
