Do’s and Don’ts After Receiving a Data Breach Notice

After a data breach, the path forward may seem uncertain. It is important to know not only what to do but also what not to do in the wake of such a digital disaster. This article provides a handy guide on the steps most essential to take and the actions to avoid after getting the breach notice. 

It aims to serve as a go-to source for the overwhelmed and vulnerable—those freshly notified that their private information has been impermissibly accessed. 

Following these cybersecurity recommendations won’t make anyone whole again, but it might help with some semblance of normalcy while the alleged hackers and their good-for-nothing ways are dealt with by the authorities.

Grasping the Concept of a Data Breach

We must first comprehend the actions or inactions to take around a data breach concept. A data breach is when a bad actor is allowed into your network and accesses confidential data for any number of nefarious reasons—stealing, selling, or just embarrassing the breached organization. Entry can be through many means, mainly using stolen credentials, but also through social engineering or just plain guessing. 

Once the bad actor is in, they take their time finding the most valuable data and breaching it, using the “Breach” in their data breach toolbox.

The Effect of Data Breaches 

Data breaches affect both individuals and organizations and can produce many different consequences. Individuals whose information is involved in a breach can suffer greatly. At the very least, their privacy is compromised. If organizations that hold personal information can no longer be trusted to keep it safe, what can be done? 

Breaches render the attempt to safeguard one’s privacy fruitless. Organizations can also suffer a lot from a breach. The told and untold effects on an organization can hurt very badly. Nonprofits and businesses alike that have suffered breaches can attest to the damage done. Any organization can be the next target.

Do’s After Receiving a Data Breach Notice

1. Verify the Legitimacy of the Notice

The first step upon receiving a data breach notice is to verify its authenticity. Ironically, cybercriminals sometimes use fake breach notifications as a means to phish for more information. Contact the company directly through their official channels to confirm the legitimacy of the notice. Be cautious of any links or phone numbers provided in the notification itself.

2. Carefully Read the Entire Notice

Once you’ve confirmed the notice is genuine, read it thoroughly. Pay close attention to what type of information was compromised, when the breach occurred, and what steps the company is taking to address the situation. This information will help you understand the potential risks and guide your next actions.

3. Change Your Passwords Immediately

One of the most critical steps is to change your passwords for any accounts associated with the breached entity. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and consider using a reputable password manager to keep track of them securely. If you’ve used the same password for other accounts, change those as well.

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password. 2FA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.

5. Monitor Your Accounts and Credit Reports

Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Many companies offer free credit monitoring services following a data breach. Take advantage of these offers, but also consider setting up your own monitoring through credit bureaus or identity protection services.

6. Be Vigilant for Phishing Attempts

Data breaches often lead to an increase in phishing attempts targeting affected individuals. Be extra cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for personal information. Remember that legitimate organizations typically don’t request sensitive data through these channels.

7. Consider Freezing Your Credit

If the breach involved sensitive financial information, consider placing a security freeze on your credit reports. This makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Contact each of the major credit bureaus to initiate a freeze.

8. Stay Informed About the Breach

Keep yourself updated on any developments related to the breach. The company may provide additional information or resources as their investigation progresses. Stay in touch with their official communication channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Don’ts After Receiving a Data Breach Notice

1. Don’t Panic or Ignore the Notice

While getting a data breach notice can certainly cause a person to feel nervous or even lead them to a feeling of insecurity or helplessness, there’s really no reason to go to those dark places. On the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, though, is no better. If you get the notice, don’t just blow it off and go on with your life ignoring what’s been told to you. Actually, these two things might be what the hackers want you to do.

2. Do Not Quickly Provide Personal Information

Be cautious of anyone approaching you for personal information just after a data breach. Always remember that organizations that have been legitimately breached typically operate as if they had not. Thus, they should not be contacting you for sensitive information via email or phone. Call the official number for the breached organization and see if they really need you to provide them with sensitive information.

3. Refrain from Clicking on Links in Unrequested Emails

Steer clear of clicking on links or downloading attachments from unrequested emails, even if they seem to somehow relate to the data breach. They could be phishing attempts—trying to gather even more of your personal information—or installing malware on your device.

4. Do Not Reuse Passwords for Different Accounts

After you have changed the password for the compromised account, don’t succumb to the temptation to use that same new password for other accounts. Every account should have its own strong password. Otherwise, if a hacker breaks into any one of your accounts, they can use the opened door to access others.

5. Keep Devices and Software Up to Date 

Neglecting to maintain your devices and software is a good way to cut your security. Ignoring a software or device update is déjà vu for a security breach. Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers can exploit.

6. Stay Off Social Media

After a data breach, it’s crucial to hold back on what you share on social media. Cybercriminals can pull from what you post to create more believable phishing attempts or to answer security questions for your accounts.

7. Maintain Vigilance

Even if your accounts and credit reports look fine right now, maintain vigilance. If your employer has just experienced a data breach, for instance, your personal data may have just become compromised. Don’t naively assume that you’re safe just because nothing suspicious is happening right now. Stay alert to the dangerous potential of a breached database.

8. Don’t Forget About Offline Security Measures

While much of the focus after a data breach is on digital security, don’t neglect physical documents containing sensitive information. Properly dispose of documents with personal data by shredding them, and keep important documents securely stored.

Navigating a Data Breach

Navigating the aftermath of a data breach can be challenging, but by following these do’s and don’ts, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect yourself from potential harm. Remember that being proactive and vigilant is key to safeguarding your personal information in an increasingly digital world.

If you’re concerned about your organization’s cybersecurity posture or need assistance in implementing robust data protection measures, we at C Solutions IT are here to help. Our team of experts can provide comprehensive security assessments, implement cutting-edge protection systems, and offer ongoing support to keep your data safe. Don’t wait for a breach to happen – contact us today to fortify your defenses and ensure your peace of mind in the digital landscape.