Data breaches surged to near-record levels in 2024, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, which reported 3,158 compromises and 1.35 billion victim notifications. This represents a substantial 211% increase compared to the prior year. With cyber threats escalating, taking proactive measures to protect your personal information is more critical than ever.
Steps to Protect Yourself
Here’s how to safeguard your data before and after a breach:
Create Strong, Unique Passwords
Be proactive when creating new accounts by using strong, unique passwords for each one. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms. If a single password is compromised, the impact will be limited to one account. If a data breach exposes a reused password, scammers could potentially access all your accounts.
Change Passwords Immediately After a Breach
If you receive a data breach notification, immediately change the password for the affected account. This simple step can prevent attackers from accessing your information.
Monitor Your Credit Reports
Regularly monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You are entitled to free weekly online reports from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You can access them at annualcreditreport.com. Free weekly reports have been made permanent since October 2023, following their initial availability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consider a Credit Freeze
Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized access to your credit files. You can initiate a credit freeze online, via phone, or by mail. The process is easily reversible, allowing you to unfreeze your credit when applying for a new loan or credit card.
Utilize Additional Resources
For further assistance and guidance, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website, identitytheft.gov. Navigate to the “recovery steps” section and select the option “Did you get a data breach notice? Start here.” This resource provides detailed steps tailored to the type of information exposed, such as Social Security numbers, passwords, or credit/debit card details.
These steps can significantly improve your security posture and help you avoid becoming a victim of data theft.
