Protect Your Personal Information After Recent Data Breaches
In light of two recent high-profile data breaches that may impact millions (more information in the links below), we want to ensure you're informed and prepared. Whether or not you are affected by this breach or future ones, here are tips on how you can safeguard your personal information:
What Can You Do?
We recommend the following steps to help protect your personal and financial information:
- Be Cautious of Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing Attempts: Scammers may use information from these breaches to create fraudulent emails, calls or text messages that attempt to steal even more data. Always verify the source of any suspicious communication.
- Don’t Click on Random Links: Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts. These can lead to malware infections.
- Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious transactions.
- Check Your Credit Report: You’re entitled to free weekly credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review them for any unusual activity.
- Update Your Passwords: Change any affected passwords immediately and if you reuse passwords across multiple sites, consider changing those as well. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.
- Identity Theft & Dark Web Monitoring: If you’re enrolled in identity theft or dark web monitoring services, stay vigilant for alerts. Some companies involved in a breach may offer free credit monitoring for affected individuals.
- Freeze Your Credit: Consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This can help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can better protect your personal information now and from future threats. For more information on the two data breaches mentioned above, please visit these sites:
Thank you for your trust in us. Should you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.