What to do if Your Personal Information Was Exposed in a Data Breach

In today’s digital world, data breaches are becoming more and more common. A data breach happens when unauthorized people gain access to personal information stored by companies, such as your name, address, Social Security number, or credit card details.

If you receive a notification that your personal information might have been exposed in a data breach, it’s important to take action quickly to help protect yourself from potential fraud or identity theft.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Read the notification carefully.
   The first thing you should do is carefully read the notification you received. It will usually tell you what type of information was exposed and how the breach happened. This will help you understand the risks and what steps the company is taking to address the breach.

2. Change your passwords.
   If the breach involves your online accounts, like banking, email or social media, you should change your passwords and security questions and answers immediately. Use a strong, unique password for each account. Consider using a password manager to help you create and store complex passwords.

3. Monitor your accounts closely.
   Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and any other financial accounts. Look out for any unusual activity, such as unauthorized purchases or withdrawals. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your bank or credit card company right away.

4. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
   Contact one of the major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name because lenders are required to take extra steps to verify your identity.

5. Consider freezing your credit.
   A credit freeze is a stronger measure than a fraud alert. It completely restricts access to your credit report, which prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name. You’ll need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus to request a freeze. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to unfreeze your credit if you want to apply for credit in the future, but this can be done fairly quickly when needed.

6. Check your credit reports.
   You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year, and all three bureaus now let you check your credit report once a week for free at annualcreditreport.com.  After a data breach, it’s a good idea to check your reports to make sure there’s no fraudulent activity. Look for any accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize. If you find something suspicious, report it immediately.  Even without a data breach, it is a good idea to check your credit reports on an annual basis.

7. Consider identity theft protection services.
   Some companies offer free identity theft protection services to those affected by a data breach. These services can monitor your credit, alert you to suspicious activity, and help you recover if your identity is stolen. If the company responsible for the breach offers this service, it might be worth taking advantage of it.  There are also several companies that provide this service for a fee.

8. Watch out for phishing scams.
   After a data breach, scammers may try to take advantage of the situation by sending fake emails, texts, or phone calls pretending to be from your bank or another company. These are known as phishing scams. Be extremely cautious about clicking on links or providing any personal information over the phone to someone who calls you.  If you’re unsure whether a communication is legitimate, it is best to contact the company directly using a known phone number or website.

9. Report identity theft immediately.
   If you do become a victim of identity theft, it’s important to act quickly. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov. You should also file a police report and notify your bank, credit card companies, and the credit bureaus. The sooner you report the theft, the better your chances are of minimizing the damage.

While a data breach can be alarming, following these steps can help protect you from the potential consequences. By acting quickly, monitoring your accounts, and staying vigilant, you can reduce the risk of fraud and keep your personal information safe.