Nova Scotia Power Data Breach: Protecting Yourself from Identity Fraud
A recent ransomware attack on Nova Scotia Power has compromised the personal data of approximately 280,000 customers, with the stolen information published online. The exposed data may include names, phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses, dates of birth, account history, driver’s license numbers, social insurance numbers, and bank account numbers.
Jeff Horncastle, a client and communications outreach officer with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the RCMP, emphasizes that it’s the responsibility of affected customers to protect themselves from identity fraud. Here are the key steps to take:
Immediate Actions
- Contact Credit Reporting Agencies: Reach out to both Equifax and TransUnion to place a fraud alert on your file. This will notify you if anyone attempts to apply for credit using your information.
- Notify Your Financial Institution: Inform your bank and credit card companies about the breach. Consider enabling multi-factor authentication to enhance account security.
- Update Your Passwords: Change your email passwords, especially if you use the same password across multiple accounts. Ensure each account has a unique password.
- Contact CRA and Service Canada: Inform the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada about the breach, as fraudsters may attempt to file false income taxes or apply for benefits.
Understanding Identity Theft vs. Identity Fraud
- Identity Theft: Occurs when your personal information is compromised, such as in a data breach.
- Identity Fraud: Happens when stolen information is used to apply for credit or other services in your name.
Additional Tips
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from financial institutions or credit agencies. Always initiate calls to verify authenticity.
- Monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
- Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website for more detailed information and resources.
While credit monitoring services may be provided by Nova Scotia Power, proactively contacting credit agencies and financial institutions is crucial. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity fraud.
