Protect Your Privacy in a Data Breach

2024 has been a challenging year for cybersecurity, with numerous significant breaches affecting millions of Americans.

Personal information, including social security numbers, phone records, and healthcare data, has been compromised, leaving many feeling vulnerable. Whether it's the National Public Data breach, which exposed the records of 2.9 billion people, or the AT&T breach, impacting nearly all current and former customers, one thing is clear: no one is immune to these cyberattacks.

As daunting as it sounds, while we can’t stop companies from being hacked, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves. By focusing on safeguarding your accounts and personal data after a breach, you can minimize the risk of identity theft and fraud. Let's dive into what you can do to protect yourself in the wake of these breaches.

The Scope of 2024's Major Data Breaches

Let’s start by understanding the gravity of the situation. In 2024 alone, some of the largest breaches have exposed an overwhelming amount of personal data. Here are the highlights:

• National Public Data Breach: This breach exposed records of 2.9 billion people, including sensitive details like social security numbers, names, and addresses.
• Ransomware Attack on Ascension Health System: This attack affected up to 140 hospitals, with around 500 people confirmed impacted so far.
• Cyberattack on CDK Global: This breach impacted data from 15,000 car dealerships.
• Two Separate Attacks on Change Healthcare: These cyberattacks exposed the personal data of thousands of patients from pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare facilities, leading to UnitedHealth paying $22 million in ransom.
• AT&T Data Breach: Nearly all current and former customers had their phone and text records compromised. AT&T paid $370,000 in ransom to settle this breach.

Most Americans have likely had their personal information exposed in one of these breaches. With such a large portion of the population affected, it’s crucial to stay proactive about protecting your privacy.

Why Monitoring Your Accounts is Essential

After a breach, hackers may sell your personal information on the dark web or use it to commit fraud. The first step in protecting yourself is to monitor your accounts closely.

• Check bank and credit card statements regularly for any suspicious activity, no matter how small. Hackers sometimes test stolen information with small transactions to see if the cardholder notices.
• Set up account alerts with your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions to get notified instantly of any new charges or activity on your accounts.
• Be on the lookout for unauthorized new accounts opened in your name, such as credit cards, loans, or utility accounts.
• Review your credit report regularly. By law, you're entitled to a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). It's a good practice to stagger these checks, so you’re reviewing your report every four months.

If you notice any fraudulent activity, act fast! Contact your bank or credit card company, report the issue, and dispute the charges. Quick action can prevent further damage to your finances and credit score.

Freeze Your Credit for Extra Protection

Freezing your credit is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft after a data breach. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it impossible for thieves to open new accounts in your name.

• How to freeze your credit: Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to request a freeze. It’s free, and you can lift it whenever needed (such as when applying for new credit).
• Benefits of a credit freeze: Even if your personal information is exposed, thieves won’t be able to open credit accounts in your name. It’s an excellent layer of defense against identity theft.

Secure Your Passwords: The First Line of Defense

After a breach, updating your passwords is critical, especially for financial and sensitive accounts. Hackers can easily try to use stolen passwords from one site on multiple accounts. Here’s how to update your passwords securely:

• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal details such as your name, birth date, or pet names, as hackers can easily guess these.
• Don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, reusing passwords puts all your other accounts at risk.
• Consider a password manager. These tools can generate secure, unique passwords for all your accounts and store them in an encrypted vault, so you don’t have to remember them.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to verify your identity through a second method, such as an authentication app or a security key. Avoid using text messages for 2FA, as these can sometimes be intercepted.

By securing your passwords, you reduce the likelihood that hackers can access your accounts using stolen login information.

Be Wary of Phishing Attempts

In the aftermath of a breach, phishing scams often increase. Hackers will send fake emails, texts, or phone calls pretending to be from legitimate organizations to trick you into sharing sensitive information. Here's how to protect yourself:

• Don’t click on unsolicited links in emails or texts. If you receive a message asking you to update your password or provide personal information, go directly to the website by typing the URL into your browser instead of clicking the link.
• Verify the source before providing any information. If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact the company directly using the information from their official website.
• Look for red flags. Phishing emails often contain grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, or generic greetings like "Dear Customer." If something seems off, trust your instincts.

By staying vigilant against phishing, you can avoid falling victim to these scams.

Log Out of Devices After Updating Passwords

After you update your passwords, it’s important to log out of all devices and browser sessions to ensure others can no longer access your accounts with old credentials. Many apps and websites allow you to log out of all devices remotely through your account settings, giving you full control over where your accounts are accessed.

This simple step is often overlooked but can prevent unauthorized users from staying logged in after you’ve changed your password.

Keep Your Software Up to Date

Outdated software often contains security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Keeping your devices and applications updated is another critical step in protecting your privacy.

• Enable automatic updates: Many operating systems and apps offer this option, ensuring you always have the latest security patches without needing to think about it.
• Check for updates regularly: If you don’t use automatic updates, make a habit of checking for them periodically, especially after news of a breach or cyberattack.

Use Encrypted Networks and Devices

Whenever possible, use secure networks and devices to handle sensitive tasks like updating passwords or monitoring your accounts. Public Wi-Fi networks can be a security risk, as they are often unsecured and vulnerable to hackers.

• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when accessing sensitive information on public networks. A VPN encrypts your data, making it harder for hackers to intercept your activity.
• Avoid accessing financial accounts or updating sensitive passwords on unsecured devices that others have access to.

Take Charge of Your Privacy

While the scale of 2024’s data breaches may seem overwhelming, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in protecting your privacy. By monitoring your accounts, freezing your credit, securing your passwords, and staying vigilant against phishing attempts, you can minimize the risks associated with exposed personal data.

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Stay informed about the latest breaches and threats, update your credentials regularly, and prioritize your online security to keep your personal information safe.

Stay safe, and remember: even in a world of evolving cyber threats, you have the power to protect your privacy.