In today's digital landscape, data breaches have become alarmingly common, with Statista reporting that 52% of all global organization breaches in 2023 involved customers' personal identifiable information (PII). That means that your personal data – addresses, phone numbers, card numbers, names, birthdates, social security numbers, etc. – are the most commonly breached type of data. Take the recent ChangeHealthcare breach, in February of this year, for example. Current estimates report that one-third of Americans had sensitive information leaked onto the dark web from that event.
When a company you entrust with your sensitive data falls victim to a cyber-attack, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. So, what should you do? What can you do? Here are seven steps you can take to minimize the impact and protect yourself.
- Verify the Legitimacy of the Breach
When you receive a notification about a data breach, it is imperative that you first confirm the legitimacy of the claim. Hackers often use phishing tactics, impersonating companies to trick you into revealing even more information. Contact the company directly, using their official website or contact information, to verify the breach and understand the scope of the incident. - Assess the Compromised Data
Once you've confirmed the breach, determine the specific data that was compromised. Was it your credit card information, Social Security number, or other sensitive details? Knowing the extent of the breach will help you take the appropriate actions to safeguard your accounts and identity. - Strengthen Your Accounts
After a breach, it's essential to update the passwords for any affected accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your information. - Monitor Your Accounts Vigilantly
Keep a close eye on your financial accounts, credit reports, and any other affected areas for any suspicious activity. Be on the lookout for unauthorized changes, unusual purchases, or signs of identity theft. - Protect Your Identity
In cases where extremely sensitive information like your Social Security number has been compromised, consider enrolling in identity theft and data breach protection services. These tools can help monitor your credit, alert you to potential misuse of your information, and assist in the recovery process if you do become a victim of identity theft. - Report It
If you’re not sure a company knows it’s been breached or if you’ve experienced fraud due to a breach, report it to relevant authorities like local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission. They can provide guidance and next steps on how to protect your identity. - Remain Vigilant Against Phishing Attacks
Cybercriminals often exploit data breaches by launching targeted phishing campaigns, using the stolen information to create convincing scams. Be cautious of any unsolicited emails, calls, or messages, and never provide personal or financial details unless you have initiated the interaction.
By following these steps, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your data and minimize the impact of a company's data breach. Remember, while companies have a responsibility to protect customer information, we all have a role to play in maintaining the security of our personal data in an increasingly digital world.
