Personal data breaches are becoming increasingly common as technology is constantly evolving. Whether it’s a hacked email account or a compromised online service, the impact is both stressful and overwhelming. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to ACT QUICKLY and take the right steps to protect your personally identifiable information (PII) and minimize potential damage. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential actions to take if your personal data has been breached.
10 Steps To Take If Your PII Has Been Compromised
- Change Passwords: Immediately update passwords for ALL your accounts, especially those linked to sensitive information such as social security number. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts where it is available. MFA is a security method that requires users to provide more than one form of verification — phone number, a secondary email address, or authenticator app — to access an account or application.
- Monitor Financial Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your bank.
- Check Credit Reports: Regularly review your credit reports for any unusual activity. You can request a free report from each of the major credit bureaus once a year.
- Alert Your Bank and Credit Card Companies: Inform them about the breach so they can monitor your accounts for fraudulent activity.
- Use Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider enrolling in a service that monitors your personal information and alerts you to potential fraud.
- Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of emails or messages asking for personal information. Verify the sender before clicking on any links or attachments.
- Report the Breach: Report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S.
- Secure Your Devices: Ensure your devices have up-to-date antivirus software and security patches.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest security practices and potential threats.
In addition, always be cautious when surfing the internet or using social media apps — stop and examine for legitimacy before you CLICK on any links! When using email, do so using the S.E.C.U.R.E. method to avoid phishing scams. Taking these steps can help minimize the damage and protect your personal information in the future.
Fortifi Cyber Security can help to handle your IT security and help your organization protect itself against cyber threats with world-class, highly-affordable security services. Call today at 888-500-9111 or sign up for a free vulnerability test.
Ready to hand off your IT to a reliable team of experts? Our sibling company, Atlantic Technology Services, is ready to manage your network so you can focus on growing your business. Schedule a consultation to see what your next steps could look like. Our experts will dig into your system and processes and determine what technology needs updating so your business can run smoother and be more productive. To book a consultation, call 410-860-9899 or click here to schedule a meeting.
