When a data breach occurs, it can make you feel powerless. You might receive an email or letter from a business informing you that your data has been compromised. Unfortunately, this happens far too frequently today.
Data breaches can affect banks, online platforms such as Facebook, and e-commerce websites. Even governments are not immune to these attacks. As a result, sensitive information like your address, Social Security Number, and credit card details may be exposed to thieves.
While you have little control over a business being hacked, there are important steps you can take afterward. Below, we’ve outlined the most crucial actions to help you mitigate financial losses.
Change Your Passwords
The first thing you should do is change your passwords. Start by changing the password for the service that sent you the breach notification. Next, update any other logins that use the same password.
This situation highlights why it’s important to use unique passwords for every site. Many people tend to use the same password across multiple accounts, which puts more than just the compromised account at risk. Consider using a password manager to help you create strong, unique passwords. With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password to access all your other passwords.
Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication can keep accounts secure, even if a hacker stole the password. Enable it for the breached service. Then, ensure you have MFA activated for all other logins, where possible. MFA is also called two-factor authentication or two-step verification.
Common forms of MFA are:
- Text message
- Authentication app
- Security key
Check Your Bank Accounts
If your payment card details have been compromised, it’s important to check your bank accounts regularly for any fraudulent charges. Monitor your accounts for several weeks, and if you notice anything suspicious, report the breach to your bank so they can issue you a new card if necessary.
Additionally, notify your bank about the third-party data breach. This proactive step can help protect you from being held responsible for any fraudulent charges. Your bank can guide you on the appropriate actions to take to prevent fraud.
Freeze Your Credit
Online criminals often sell stolen personal information, which can allow someone to take out credit in your name. To protect yourself, contact the three major credit agencies. Each agency provides a method to freeze your credit, and you can complete this process directly on their websites.
The three credit agencies are:
Carefully Review the Breach Notification
It’s important to understand exactly how the data breach may impact you. Review the notice you received. Additionally, look for updates on the company website.
These are the things you should be looking for:
- The type of data exposed (passwords, card numbers, etc.)
- What reparations the company is making (e.g., credit monitoring)
- Any instructions given to secure your account
Regularly check the company’s website. Often, they don’t immediately know how far reaching the breach is. You may check back later and find out other types of sensitive data were exposed.
Get Good Cybersecurity Protections
Make sure you protect your device and network. There are some simple tools you can use to beef up personal device security. These include:
- A good antivirus/anti-malware program
- DNS filtering to block malicious sites
- Email spam filtering for phishing
Another good protection you can use is a VPN. This helps mask your traffic. It is especially helpful if you’re using a public Wi-Fi. VPNs are easy to use. You can use VPNs for both computers and mobile devices.
Be On the Lookout for Phishing Scams
Data breaches often expose emails, leading to an increase in phishing attempts. Phishing can be very deceptive, especially since criminals utilize AI technology. As a result, phishing emails can be difficult to distinguish from legitimate ones.
Stay ultra-aware of any unexpected emails. Follow best practices to avoid becoming a phishing victim:
- Hover over links to see them
- Go to websites directly. Don’t click email or SMS links
- Beware of unknown senders
- Watch for phishing on social media and text messages
- When in doubt, double check through an official source
Make Sure to Update Software & Systems
Hackers often exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, which typically arise from failing to keep software updated. To avoid this, it’s essential to regularly update your device’s operating system, as well as all applications and software on your devices. Additionally, don’t forget to update the firmware for routers, printers, and smart devices.
There are numerous updates that need to be performed on our electronics. Automating these updates can be an effective way to stay protected.
Managed Security Services You Can Count On
Managed services can protect you both at work and home. If you need assistance with improving device security, we’re happy to discuss our options.
Contact us today to schedule a chat about device security.