In recognition of October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’ve put together a weekly email series designed to help you stay safe online. Each week in October, we'll send practical tips and updates on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. From securing personal devices to protecting sensitive data, the email series will provide valuable insights to help enhance the State of Vermont’s digital security.
WEEK FOUR
What is a Data Breach?
A data breach occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to private information, such as personal details or financial data, from a company or organization. This can happen for several reasons, such as hacking, mistakes made by employees, or weaknesses in information security protection. The fallout from a data breach can be serious, causing financial losses for individuals and organizations alike, legal problems, and harm to a company’s reputation.
If I’ve been notified that my data was exposed in a data breach, what should I do?
- Stay Alert: If you receive a breach notice, keep all documents and follow the company's recommendations. Be cautious of unusual mail or emails, as breaches may not be detected immediately.
- Secure Your Accounts: Update passwords for affected accounts and use unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.
- Initiate a Fraud Alert: Place a fraud alert on your credit report to notify lenders to verify your identity before approving credit applications. This alert lasts for one year and can be renewed.
- Monitor Accounts and Credit Reports: Regularly check your financial accounts for suspicious activity and review your credit report for unfamiliar accounts.
- Freeze or Lock Your Credit: Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized access to your credit report. You can freeze or unfreeze your reports with the major credit bureaus.
- Stay Vigilant Against Scams: Be aware that exposed data can lead to fraud. Watch for phishing attempts, especially messages that create a sense of urgency or come from unusual sender addresses.
Taking Control
While the convenience of digital transactions and e-commerce can sometimes lead to data breaches, being prepared can help you navigate the situation effectively. If you find yourself affected, take a deep breath and stay calm. By following these steps, you can minimize potential damage. If you confirm that your information has been misused, act promptly and report it to the appropriate authorities. This proactive approach can help you regain control and protect your information moving forward.
Additional Resources
UC Berkely - National Public Data breach: What you can do
Federal Trade Commission - What to do After a Data Breach
IBM – Data Breaches: An Expensive Problem
