When a data breach occurs, confidential information, including consumer data, falls into the wrong hands. If you receive a notice that your information has been compromised, take swift action to secure your accounts and prevent fraud. Here’s what you should do after a data breach to protect yourself.

1. Stay Alert

First, stay alert. If a data breach exposes your personal information, the company involved must notify you by law. When you receive a breach notice, keep all related documents and follow the recommendations provided.

Data breaches often go undetected for some time, so by the time you receive a notice, criminals may have already accessed your information. With this in mind, monitor any unusual mail or emails, such as IRS tax notices or statements from unfamiliar lenders.

2. Secure Your Accounts

Next, secure your accounts immediately. Start by changing the passwords and PINs for any accounts mentioned in the breach notification. Even if those accounts weren’t directly affected, assume all your accounts are at risk. Access to any of your personal information increases the chances that other accounts could be compromised.

Here’s what you should do after a data breach to enhance your account security:

• Avoid reusing passwords. Create unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Reusing passwords leaves multiple accounts vulnerable if one is compromised.
• Use a password manager. These tools generate strong, unique passwords and remember them for you. Many free options exist, but paid versions often offer additional features.
• Enable two-factor authentication. This extra security step requires a confirmation code via text or email before you can log in, making it harder for thieves to access your accounts.

3. Initiate a Fraud Alert

Initiate a fraud alert to protect your credit. A fraud alert warns lenders that you may be a victim of fraud or identity theft, prompting them to verify your identity before approving any credit applications.

To set up a fraud alert, contact one of the major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax. When you add a fraud alert to one bureau, it automatically applies to your reports at all three. A fraud alert remains on your credit report for one year, but you can renew it. If you confirm you’ve been targeted by fraud, consider applying for an extended fraud alert, which lasts seven years.

4. Monitor Your Financial Accounts and Credit Reports

Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and credit reports. Set up alerts for any unusual activity on your accounts. By staying aware of unexpected transactions, you can detect and address potential scams quickly.

Regularly check your credit report for signs of fraud, such as unfamiliar loan or credit card accounts. You can access your credit report for free through Experian or at AnnualCreditReport.com. Additionally, sign up for free credit monitoring from Experian, which sends you alerts whenever new activity appears on your report.

5. Freeze or Lock Your Credit File

Consider freezing or locking your credit file as an extra precaution. A security freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for scammers to open new accounts in your name. You can freeze your credit with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion for free.

Remember that freezing your credit also blocks legitimate creditors from accessing your report. If you need to apply for credit, you’ll need to temporarily unfreeze your reports. Locking your credit file provides similar protection and can be easily managed through services like Experian CreditLock.

6. Stay Vigilant to Signs of Scams

Remain vigilant to any signs of scams. After a data breach, your information may circulate among criminals or appear on the dark web, increasing your risk of fraud. Sensitive data, such as your name, email address, date of birth, and Social Security number, can be used for phishing or synthetic identity theft.

Here’s what you should do after a data breach to protect yourself:

• Stay informed about new scams.
• Watch out for phishing attempts that urge you to act quickly or ask for information the sender should already have.
• Be cautious of unusual sender email addresses or unexpected attachments.

The Bottom Line

A data breach can be a serious threat, but knowing what to do afterward helps you minimize the damage. If a breach affects you, don’t panic—take immediate action by following these steps. Secure your accounts, monitor for suspicious activity, and report any misuse of your data to the proper authorities.

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