Data breaches are, unfortunately, on the rise. In 2024, the Identity Theft Resource Center reported a near-record breaking number of compromises, with 3,158 total incidents and 1.35 billion victim notices. This represents a staggering 211% increase compared to the previous year. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect your personal information both before a breach occurs and in its aftermath.
Proactive Measures: Strengthening Your Defenses
Create Strong, Unique Passwords
The first line of defense against data breaches is a robust password strategy. Make it a habit to use strong, unique passwords for every online account you create. Never reuse passwords across multiple sites. If one account is compromised, using unique credentials prevents attackers from accessing your other accounts. Furthermore, if a breach affects an account, immediately change your password for that account.
Monitor Your Credit Regularly
Keep a close watch over your credit reports for any unusual activity. You can obtain free weekly online credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion through annualcreditreport.com. This service, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, became permanent in October 2023.
Consider Freezing Your Credit
Freezing your credit can be a potent preventative measure. Consider freezing your credit online, by phone, or via postal mail to prevent unauthorized access to your credit profile. Freezing your credit makes it more difficult for someone to open new accounts or take out loans in your name. When you need to apply for a new loan or credit card, you can easily unfreeze your credit access via these same methods. For step-by-step instructions, please see the provided resources from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Additional Resources
If you have been a victim of a data breach visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website, identitytheft.gov, and follow the provided recovery steps that apply to the information exposed. This resource provides detailed guidance and support for individuals affected by identity theft and data security issues.
