‘The worst thing you can do’ after a data breach, according to a cybersecurity expert
In just the first half of 2024 more than a billion people saw their information leaked online as a result of high profile data breaches such as those from AT&T and Ticketmaster. Ryan Ermey, senior money reporter at CNBC Make It, shares an article with information on how to go about handling a data breach by cybersecurity expert and Experian’s health of global data breach resolution Michael Bruemmer. “Following a breach, depending on which information was compromised, you may find yourself on the receiving end of targeted scams or picking up the pieces after identity thieves open lines of credit in your name. Here’s how to protect yourself, and what to do if you’re part of a breach.”
Practice good online hygiene
Rare are the days that someone would be completely off the grid. Odds are even a small chunk of your information is floating around the web and is vulnerable to cyber attacks. “I operate under the assumption that pretty much all my information is out there. And that’s a pretty reasonable assumption,” says Ed Skoudis, president at SANS Technology Institute.Nevertheless, Ermey statesthat the more information that fraudsters can piece together about you, the higher risk you run of falling victim to scams and identity theft. To keep your information as private as possible, practice these online hygiene tips from cybersecurity experts.
- Use a password manager
- Avoid links from strangers
- Skip QR codes when possible
- Always use credit online
What to do in case of a breach
Even if you’re careful, there is still a chance for hackers to breach your information. Here’s what to do if and when that happens.
- Don’t bury your head in the sand. “‘It’s important to know what information of yours is out there.’ says Bruemmer.”
- Change your passwords. “If you don’t have a password manager yet, be sure to change your password for the site where the breach occurred and for any other where you might use the same password.”
- Be vigilant. “‘Following a breach, monitor your credit card statements for any fishy charges, even if the process seems tedious,’ says Skoudis.”
- Act quickly. “‘If you do see something alarming on your credit history, like a new credit line in your name, time is of the essence,’ says Bruemmer.”
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