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Data breaches expose millions to potentialfinancialharm.
In the first quarter of 2023 alone, 6.4 million sensitive records were leaked worldwide, according to Statista.
Data breaches are, unfortunately, becoming more common but remember, youre not powerless, she explained.
How you respond in the aftermath can make all the difference inprotecting your personal information and reducing future risks.
Verify the Notification
Evans said the first step is to ensure the data breach notification is genuine.
Sometimes, scammers send out fake alerts to deceive you into revealing more details, she explained.
If youre unsure, hit up the company directly using atrusted contact numberor by visiting their official website.
Dont just punch any links you might receive by email or text.
Understanding this will guide your next steps, she added.
If youve used the same password elsewhere, change it there, too, she added.
Each account should have arobust and unique password.
Use at least nine characters and combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers and characters.
The more complex, the better.
Evans explained that adding two-factor authentication (2FA) to your accounts adds another layer of security.
An authenticator app from Google or Microsoft will help here.
Be Vigilant
Keep an eye on your accounts for any unusual activity, Evans said.
Set up alerts to be notified of any suspicious transactions or logins.
Consider getting notifications for all logins.
Its better to know and be able to ignore than react later.
If you receive an email that seems suspicious or unexpected, avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments.
Instead, go directly to the companys website by typing the address into your net online gate.
patch your Security Questions
Dont stop at changing your password.
Stay Informed
Keep up with any updates from the company that was breached, Evans explained.
They might offer additional advice or services, such as free credit monitoring, to help protect you.
Be aware that stolen data is sometimes sold on the dark web, she said.
Some identity protection servicescan alert you if your information appears there, allowing you to take necessary action.
Consider using a password manager, regularly updating your passwords and being vigilant about phishing attempts, she explained.
Review and tighten the privacy configs on your online accounts.
Sharing less personal information can help protect you in the future.
These small but significant actions can significantly reduce your vulnerability to future breaches, she said.
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