Personally Identifiable Information (PII) data breaches are a growing concern as technology is swiftly evolving. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, your PII can be at risk from hacked accounts or compromised services. The consequences can be intimidating, but knowing how to respond is key. Acting rapidly and taking the right measures can help protect your information and mitigate potential harm. This article outlines the crucial steps to take if your PII has been compromised.
7 Steps To Take If Your PII Has Been Compromised
- Change Passwords: Immediately update passwords for ALL your accounts, especially those linked to sensitive information such as social security number. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts where it is available. MFA is a security method that requires users to provide more than one form of verification — phone number, a secondary email address, or authenticator app — to access an account or application.
- Monitor Financial Accounts & Reports: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your bank. Regularly review your credit reports for any unusual activity. You can request a free report from each of the major credit bureaus once a year. Inform your financial institutions about the breach so they can monitor your accounts for fraudulent activity.
- Use Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider enrolling in a service that monitors your personal information and alerts you to potential fraud.
- Report the Breach: Report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S.
- Secure Your Devices: Ensure your devices have up-to-date antivirus software and security patches.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest security practices and potential threats.
Also, be careful when browsing the internet or using social media apps—pause and check for legitimacy before clicking on any links! When using email, follow the S.E.C.U.R.E. method to avoid phishing scams. These steps can help reduce damage and protect your personal information.
Schedule a consultation with Atlantic Technology Services, a Managed Services Provider (MSP), to see how we can assist your business in keeping safe online and protecting the integrity of your business data by managing your IT services. To book a consultation, call us at 410-860-9899 or click here to schedule a meeting.
Ready to fortify your business’s cybersecurity? Fortifi Cyber Security, a sibling company to Atlantic Technology Services, can help your organization protect itself against cyber threats with world-class, highly-affordable security services. Call Fortifi today at 888-500-9111 or sign up for a free vulnerability test.