When it happens, you feel powerless. You get an email or letter from a business saying you’ve experienced a data breach, and it happens all too often today.
Data breaches happen at banks, online sites like Facebook, and e-commerce stores. Governments are also victims, exposing your address, SSN, and credit card details to thieves.
You have little control over a business getting hacked, but you can take essential steps afterwards. We’ve outlined the most important things to do below, which can help you mitigate the financial losses.
Change Your Passwords
The first thing you should do is change your passwords. First, change the password for the service that sent you the breach notification. Then, change it for any logins using the same password.
This is one reason it’s a best practice to use unique logins for every site. Many people get in the habit of using the same password in several places, which leaves more than a single breached login at risk. Use a password manager to help you create strong passwords, that way you only need to remember one to access all the others.
Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication can keep accounts secure, even if a hacker stole the password. Enable it for the breached service and ensure you have MFA activated for all other logins, where possible. MFA is also called two-factor authentication or two-step verification.
Typical forms of MFA are:
- Text message
- Authentication app
- Security key
Check Your Bank Accounts
If payment card details were breached, check bank accounts. You’ll want to watch these for fraudulent charges for several weeks. If needed, report the breach to your bank to have them issue you a new card.
Notify your bank about the third-party data breach to help prevent you from being held responsible for fraudulent charges. It’s good to get ahead of it, and your bank can help you take appropriate steps to avoid fraud.
Carefully Review the Breach Notification
It’s essential to understand precisely how the data breach may impact you by reviewing the notice you received. Additionally, look for updates on the company website.
These are the things you should be looking for:
- The type of data exposed (passwords, card numbers, etc.)
- What reparations the company is making (e.g., credit monitoring)
- Any instructions given to secure your account
Regularly check the company’s website. Often, they don’t immediately know how far the breach is reaching. You may check back later and find out if other types of sensitive data were exposed.
Get Good Cybersecurity Protection
Make sure you protect your device and network. You can use some simple tools to beef up personal device security, including:
- A good antivirus/anti-malware program
- DNS filtering to block malicious sites
- Email spam filtering for phishing
Another good protection is a VPN. This helps mask your traffic, which is especially helpful if you’re using public Wi-Fi. VPNs are easy to use, and they can be used on computers and mobile devices.
Be on the Lookout for Phishing Scams
Emails are often exposed in data breaches, meaning you may receive an uptick in phishing emails. Phishing is very convincing since criminals have AI at their disposal, usually making them hard to spot from the real thing.
Stay ultra-aware of any unexpected emails. Follow best practices to avoid becoming a phishing victim:
- Hover over links to see them
- Go to websites directly. Don’t click email or SMS links
- Beware of unknown senders
- Watch for phishing on social media and text messages
- When in doubt, double-check through an official source
Make Sure to Update Software & Systems
Hackers often exploit unpatched vulnerabilities. How do you get unpatched vulnerabilities? Most times it’s from failing to keep software updated. Make sure to update your device’s operating system and all apps or software on your devices, routers, printers, and smart devices.
There are so many updates we need to do with our electronics so automating your updates is a good way to stay protected.
Managed Security Services You Can Count On
Managed services can keep you protected at work and at home. Do you need help improving device security? We’ll be happy to discuss our available MSP options!
Contact us today to schedule a chat about ongoing device security.