See breaches in your Digital Footprint?

What is a data breach?

A data breach, in its simplest terms, is unauthorized access into one or more of a company’s databases. Keep in mind that a breach doesn’t always mean that data was actually stolen or that it’s being misused. It just means that you need to be careful because potential problems such as fraud and identity theft could be headed your way.

 If you find a breach in your Digital Footprint, here are some steps you can take:

1. Change your password

Change the password for this account. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. And make sure it's hard to guess and not used anywhere else.

2. Update other accounts that use the same password

If you have other accounts that use the same email and password combination, be sure to update the password for those accounts.

3. Turn on two-factor authentication

Add an extra layer of security. If possible, turn on two-factor authentication for this account.

4. Keep an eye on your financial statements and credit reports

The sooner you catch fraud, the easier it is to correct. So, be sure to routinely monitor your financial statements and credit reports for any major changes or unusual activity. If something doesn't seem right, report it immediately.

5. Consider freezing your credit report

If a company you're associated with has suffered a recent breach, you may consider freezing your credit report.