What to Do if Your Information Is Exposed in a Data Breach
Data breaches are a daunting reality that can impact anyone, anywhere. Even the largest, most secure companies can fall victim to cyberattacks. While it can be unsettling to find yourself affected by a breach, it’s important to remember that there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage and protect your personal information.
Six Important Steps to Take If You are Involved in a Data Breach:
1. Monitor Your Accounts
Keep a close eye on your financial accounts, including checking, savings, credit cards, and loans, for any suspicious activity. The easiest way to do this is by using online banking and e-statements, which give you quick and easy access to your account information and transaction history.
2. Change Your Passwords
Regularly changing your passwords is always a good practice, especially for accounts that hold sensitive or financial information. However, it's crucial to change your passwords immediately if you believe your information has been compromised in a data breach. When updating passwords, ensure they are strong and unique. A strong password should generally be at least 16 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.
3. Implement Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Many financial institutions require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for account access. If you haven't already enabled MFA, we strongly encourage you to do so immediately. MFA enhances security by requiring at least two forms of identification, such as a one-time passcode (OTP) sent via SMS or email, biometrics, or security questions.
4. Stay Informed
If a company you do business with experiences a data breach, it’s important to stay informed about the situation. Companies often provide updates to affected customers through platform messages, social media posts, emails, or other communication channels. Staying up to date will help you respond appropriately as new information becomes available.
5. Check or Freeze Your Credit
Obtain your free credit reports from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Review them carefully for any incorrect information or accounts you do not recognize, as these could be signs of identity theft. You can request your reports by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. If you discover suspicious activity, consider freezing your credit. This will prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
6. Visit the FTC's website at IdentityTheft.gov
IdentyTheft.gov is a website created by the FTC that can help give you more insight into what to do when your personal information is stolen or exposed. The site provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.
Additional Measures to Consider
- Keep your receipts and compare them against your account statements.
- Maintain a record of all your debit and credit card numbers, expiration dates, and the issuers’ phone numbers in a secure yet accessible place.
- Never share personal financial information with unsolicited callers or through emails.
- Protect your home wireless network with a strong password that includes at least eight characters, with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date with the latest security software, web browsers, and operating systems.
- If you suspect fraud, contact your financial institution immediately.
Your financial security is our top priority! Please contact us immediately if you suspect any fraudulent activity on your accounts. Visit our Financial Resource Center for more articles on ID theft and security or stop by to speak with a banker if you have any questions or concerns.