If your data is stolen, acting quickly and methodically is essential to minimize the damage and protect yourself from identity theft or fraud. Here’s what you should do:
1. Confirm the Breach
- Check Notifications: If a company informs you of a breach, verify the details through their official channels or website.
- Monitor Trusted News Sources: Confirm whether your information may have been affected by a publicized breach.
2. Assess What Was Stolen
- Identify the type of data involved:
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Bank account or credit card information
- Email addresses or passwords
- Driver’s license information
- Medical records
3. Take Immediate Protective Actions
If Financial Information Was Stolen:
- Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Issuer:
- Report the theft and request to freeze or close the affected accounts.
- Request new cards with different account numbers.
- Monitor Statements:
- Check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Report suspicious charges immediately.
If Your Social Security Number Was Compromised:
- Place a Fraud Alert:
- Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion). The alert will be shared with the others.
- Freeze Your Credit:
- Prevent creditors from accessing your credit report without your consent.
- Obtain an IRS PIN:
- Protect yourself against tax-related identity theft by requesting a personal identification number from the IRS.
If Login Credentials Were Stolen:
- Change Passwords Immediately:
- Update passwords for affected accounts.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
- Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
If Personal Identifying Information (PII) Was Compromised:
- Monitor Your Identity:
- Use identity theft protection services to track suspicious activities.
- Report the Theft:
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov.
4. Monitor Your Credit and Accounts
- Order Credit Reports:
- Obtain free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Sign Up for Alerts:
- Use tools from your bank, credit card companies, or identity protection services to receive real-time alerts about unusual activity.
5. File Reports
- File an Identity Theft Report:
- Report the theft to the FTC, which will provide a recovery plan.
- File a Police Report:
- If needed, file a report with your local law enforcement to document the crime.
6. Protect Yourself Long-Term
- Monitor for Long-Term Threats:
- Stolen data, especially Social Security Numbers, can be used for fraud years later.
- Practice Good Cyber Hygiene:
- Avoid using the same passwords across multiple sites.
- Be cautious of phishing emails, suspicious links, and unsolicited requests for personal information.
- Consider Identity Theft Insurance:
- Some services offer coverage for identity recovery expenses.
7. Stay Informed
- Keep track of news and updates about breaches to stay aware of potential risks and necessary steps to secure your data.
By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of financial loss and identity theft while ensuring your personal data is better protected in the future.