How to protect yourself from a data breach

How to protect yourself from a data breach and here are the best ways to protect yourself and your information from identity theft and fraud.

Wondering how to protect yourself from a data breach due to the number of data breaches hitting the news? The Equifax scandal may have happened over a year ago, but it’s far from old news. Security breaches are serious and impossible to predict, and with the world as digitised as it is, these data breaches can cause serious harm. Luckily, there are measures you can take to protect your identity, and we’ll talk you through how.

How to protect your data from a data breach

•  Keep your passwords secure.

You should never use the same password for multiple accounts (I know, easier said than done,) and change your passwords for important accounts often. There are apps out there that generate and store passwords for you, but they’re not invulnerable, so you’re probably better off doing it yourself. Password books may be “dated,” but as long as they’re kept in a safe place, like a locked file cabinet, there’s nothing more secure.

• Monitor your credit card statements.

Even a minor transaction can signify a major security issue with your account. If you notice an unrecognised charge, notify your card issuer as soon as possible so that you can get the charge refunded and the card cancelled and replaced.

• Set up account alerts.

Staying up to date with your account activity means you’ll know immediately if a change is made without your knowledge.

• Review your credit reports.

You can get a free credit report once a year from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing this report for accuracy can help keep your information secure.

• Set up an account freeze.

Freezing your credit account prevents from new accounts being opened in your name. Just know that you do have to pay to have your account frozen, and you’ll have to manually lift and reinstate it whenever you apply for credit yourself.