You receive an email or letter from a company notifying you that your personal information has been exposed. Your heart sinks and you are immediately really concerned. Unfortunately, these incidents are becoming increasingly common, and when a data breach happens to you, it can leave you feeling vulnerable and powerless.
Breaches occur across a variety of platforms—banks, social media sites like Facebook, e-commerce stores, and even government institutions, exposing sensitive information such as your address, Social Security number, or credit card details to cybercriminals. 
The following are important steps you should take to minimize potential damage:
Update Your Passwords Immediately
The first step is to update your passwords. Start with the account affected by the breach, then change passwords for any other accounts using the same credentials. Using the same password across multiple accounts can leave you at greater risk. Cybercriminals can exploit this by accessing multiple services with a single stolen password. To safeguard your accounts, always use unique passwords for each login. A password manager can help you generate and store strong, unique passwords securely. With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding an extra layer of protection with MFA can secure your accounts, even if a hacker has your password. Enable MFA on the breached account first, then activate it for all your other accounts wherever possible.
MFA—sometimes called two-step verification—requires an additional form of verification alongside your password. Common MFA methods include:
- Text message code
- Authentication apps
- Physical security keys
Monitor Your Bank Accounts
If your payment details were compromised, monitor your bank accounts closely for any unauthorized transactions. Notify your bank immediately about the breach. They can issue a replacement card and provide additional guidance to protect your finances. Proactively informing your bank can help ensure you aren’t held liable for fraudulent charges.
Freeze Your Credit
Criminals often sell breached personal details, enabling others to take out credit in your name. Protect yourself by freezing your credit with the three major credit bureaus:
You can initiate a credit freeze through each bureau’s website. This prevents unauthorized parties from opening accounts in your name.
Review the Breach Notification Carefully
Take the time to understand the full scope of the breach. The notification should detail:
- The type of data exposed (e.g., passwords, credit card numbers).
- Steps the company is taking to address the breach (e.g., free credit monitoring).
- Actions you need to take to secure your account.
Check the company’s website regularly for updates, as they may discover additional impacts after the initial notification.
Strengthen Your Cybersecurity
Protect your devices and network with essential security tools, such as:
- Antivirus and anti-malware software
- DNS filtering to block malicious websites
- Email spam filters to catch phishing attempts
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is another effective way to safeguard your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, providing an additional layer of security.
Stay Alert for Phishing Scams
Breached emails often lead to an increase in phishing attempts. Cybercriminals use sophisticated techniques—often powered by AI—to craft emails that appear authentic. Remain vigilant by following these best practices:
- Hover over links to check where they lead before clicking.
- Visit websites directly rather than clicking on email or text links.
- Be cautious with unexpected messages from unknown senders.
- Watch for phishing attempts on social media and messaging apps.
If in doubt, verify the message through an official source.
Keep Software and Systems Updated
Outdated software is a common entry point for hackers. Prevent vulnerabilities by regularly updating:
- Operating systems
- Applications and software
- Router and printer firmware
- Smart device firmware
Where possible, enable automatic updates to ensure your devices stay protected without requiring manual intervention.
Strengthening your cybersecurity is essential, whether at work or home. Managed security services can provide expert guidance and tools to keep your devices secure. If you need assistance ensuring your technology infrastructure is protected, contact us today to discuss your options.