Steps to Take After a Personal Data Breach

As technology is such an integral part of our everyday lives, it’s important to safeguard your personal information. Unfortunately, data breaches, like the recent AT&T one that impacted more than 110 million people, are becoming much more common.

Cybercriminals can steal data and target people in a variety of ways.

“Even after a breach has been made public, cybersecurity experts say people need to remain vigilant. Be on guard for phishing and other social engineering attempts,” according to an Associated Press article. And always confirm with the company first through official channels before taking any action from a suspicious link, email, text or phone call. 

Following a data exposure, change your passwords immediately. Make sure they are “strong” and do not use common words or obvious personal names or dates. Experts recommend 16 characters, including letters, numbers and symbols. 

Don’t use the same login information for multiple websites — if hackers gain access to one, then they can easily access the others. Try a password manager if you have difficulty remembering them. Also add multi-factor authentication to your accounts, which is a second layer of protection requiring a code via email or text message.

Always be vigilant and monitor all your accounts. Even though your information may show up in a data breach, it may not mean your money or identity has been stolen.

“If card payment numbers were stolen, inform your bank or credit card company, explaining that your card is at risk of fraud and asking them to alert you of suspicious activity,” says the AP.

Next, notify credit agencies like Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to issue a fraud alert and freeze your credit, making it difficult for hackers to open new accounts or take out a loan in your name. 

“Cybersecurity experts warn that breaches that involve a telephone company, like the AT&T case, leave customers vulnerable to having their phone numbers stolen, or SIM swapped,” the article says. “Thieves could then use the hijacked number to access other accounts that use that number for multi-factor authentication through text messages.” 

Set up a unique passcode that’s needed to prevent big account changes like moving a number to another carrier. Delete phone bills, bank statements or emails containing personal information, so hackers won’t be able to use this to pass security checks if they gain access to your email. 

Here are some tips to protect yourself in the event of a data breach:

1. Be aware.
2. Change your passwords.
3. Keep monitoring.
4. Tell your bank/credit agencies.
5. Take extra care and be vigilant.