A data breach occurs when sensitive information is accessed or stolen without authorization. These breaches can affect individuals and businesses alike, and can cause the loss of personal and financial information. In this blog post, we will provide some basic information on what to do if your personal data has been compromised in a data breach, as well as steps to take to protect yourself in the future.
Statistics on the Impact of Data Breaches
- According to a 2021 report by Risk Based Security, there were over 1,767 publicly reported data breaches in the first half of 2021, exposing over 18 billion records.
- The most common type of data breached in 2020 was personal information, accounting for 58% of all breaches, according to Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report.
- In 2020, the average cost of a data breach was $3.86 million, according to IBM’s 2020 Cost of a Data Breach report.
- The healthcare industry experienced the highest number of breaches in 2020, accounting for 27% of all breaches, according to the same report by Verizon.
These statistics show that data breaches are a significant and ongoing threat, and it’s important to protect your personal information.
What to Do If Your Personal Data Has Been Compromised
If you receive a notification that your personal data has been compromised in a data breach, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself. Here are some steps to follow:
- Review the notification: Read the notification carefully to determine what information was compromised and what actions you should take.
- Change your passwords: If your account credentials were compromised, change your passwords immediately. Use a strong, unique password for each account and enable two-factor authentication where available.
- Monitor your accounts: Monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges or suspicious activity.
- Consider identity theft protection: Consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service to monitor your accounts and alert you to any suspicious activity.
Steps to Take to Protect Yourself in the Future
While you can’t eliminate the risk of a data breach, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and protect yourself in the future. Here are some tips:
- Use strong passwords: Use a unique, strong password for each account and avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, such as a fingerprint or a code sent to your phone, besides your password.
- Be cautious with your personal information: Only share your personal information when necessary, and only with reputable sources. Be wary of phishing scams and never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.
- Monitor your credit reports: Regularly review your credit reports to ensure that there are no new accounts or suspicious activity.
Conclusion
Data breaches can be a major threat to your personal and financial information, but taking proactive steps to protect yourself can help reduce your risk. If they have compromised your personal data in a data breach, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can protect yourself in the future and reduce your risk of falling victim to a data breach.