Protect Yourself: 8 Steps to Take When You Get a Notice Your Data Was Breached

When it occurs, you feel helpless. You receive an email or letter from a company informing you that your data has been compromised. This is becoming increasingly common today.

Data breaches occur at banks, online platforms like Facebook, and ecommerce sites. Additionally, governments are not immune. This results in your personal information, such as your address, SSN, and credit card details, being vulnerable to thieves.

While you have little control over a business being hacked, you can take crucial steps afterward. We’ve listed the most important actions to take below. These measures can help you reduce financial losses.

Change Your Passwords

The first action you should take is to update your passwords. Start by changing the password for the service that notified you of the breach. After that, update any other accounts that use the same password.

This highlights the importance of having unique passwords for each site. Many individuals tend to reuse the same password across multiple platforms, which puts more than just the compromised account at risk. A password manager can assist you in generating strong passwords, allowing you to remember just one to access all others.

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 information has been compromised, monitor your bank accounts closely for several weeks to detect any fraudulent transactions. Inform your bank about the breach so they can issue a new card if necessary.

Alert your bank to the third-party data breach. This proactive step can prevent you from being liable for unauthorized charges. By notifying them early, your bank can assist you with measures to prevent fraud.

Freeze Your Credit

Online criminals will often sell breached personal details. These details can enable someone to take out credit in your name. Contact the three credit agencies. They each have ways to freeze your credit to protect you. You can do this right on their websites.

The three credit agencies are:

• Equifax
• Experion
• TransUnion

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

A VPN is another effective security measure. It conceals your online activity, which is particularly beneficial when using public Wi-Fi. VPNs are user-friendly and can be utilized on both computers and mobile devices.

Be on the Lookout for Phishing Scams

Data breaches frequently expose email addresses, leading to an increase in phishing attempts. These phishing emails can be highly deceptive, as cybercriminals utilize AI to craft them. As a result, distinguishing these fraudulent emails from legitimate ones can be challenging.

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 frequently take advantage of vulnerabilities that haven't been patched. How do these vulnerabilities occur? Often, it's due to neglecting software updates.

Ensure your device's operating system is up to date. Update all applications or software on your devices. Update the firmware for routers and printers. Update the firmware for smart devices.

There are numerous updates required for our electronics. Automating your updates is an effective way to maintain protection.

Managed Security Services You Can Count On

Managed services offer protection both at work and home. Looking to enhance your device security? We’re eager to explore our solutions with you.

Contact us today to schedule a chat about device security.

About Newport Solutions

Newport Solutions has been helping small businesses in Orange County, CA for almost 20 years. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive IT services, ensuring your business operates smoothly and efficiently. From IT support to cybersecurity, we've got you covered. Discover how we can become your business's IT department today.

We proudly serve the following areas: Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and the greater Orange County region.

Contact us to learn more.