7 simple steps to protect yourself after a data breach

The recent data breach at National Public Data, which exposed the personal information of millions of Americans, including Social Security numbers, is particularly concerning for Nigerians residing in the United States. With the compromised data, individuals are at a heightened risk of identity theft and other fraudulent activities. Here are some crucial steps you can take to protect yourself:

One of the first things you should do is immediately contact the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—to freeze your credit. This will prevent unauthorized individuals from opening new accounts in your name. A credit freeze is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity thieves from using your information to create new credit accounts.

Regularly review your credit reports for any unusual or unauthorized activities. You are entitled to one free report each year from each credit bureau. Early detection of fraudulent activity can help you address the issue before it escalates, reducing the potential damage.

Consider subscribing to an identity monitoring service. Some services notify you if your information is detected on the dark web or used in suspicious ways. These services offer an extra layer of security by keeping a vigilant eye on your personal data across various platforms.

Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your online accounts. This often involves receiving a code via text message or an authentication app in addition to entering your password. 2FA provides an additional security barrier, making it much more difficult for hackers to access your accounts.

Create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store these securely. Reusing passwords increases your vulnerability across multiple accounts if one is compromised. A strong password manager helps keep everything secure.

Be vigilant about emails, texts, or phone calls that ask for personal information. Verify the legitimacy of the communication before clicking on any links or providing details. Phishing scams are a common method used by cybercriminals to steal personal information. Awareness and caution can prevent you from falling victim.

Don’t rely on contact details provided in unsolicited messages. Instead, visit the official website of the company or call them using a verified number to confirm the legitimacy of any request. Scammers often mimic official communications. Double-checking ensures you’re communicating with the actual entity, not a fraudster.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or other forms of fraud following this data breach. It’s essential to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting your personal information.