What to Do if Your Personal Information is Compromised: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s digital world, data breaches and identity theft are more common than ever. Whether it’s a hacked email account, leaked credit card information, or compromised Social Security number, it’s important to take appropriate action. Here’s a practical guide on what to do if you suspect—or know—that your personal information has been compromised.

1. Stay Calm

As cynical as this sounds, you should act as if your information has already been compromised because it probably has at some point in time. So, take a deep breath and begin by assessing what kind of data could have been exposed. Not all breaches are created equal; exposure of your email is less severe than your Social Security number being stolen.

2. Determine What Information Was Compromised

Take a moment to assess exactly what information may have been exposed. Was it your:

• Email and password?
• Bank account or credit card number?
• Social Security number?
• Medical or insurance records?
• Driver’s license?

Knowing what information was compromised will help determine the appropriate next steps to take.

3. Change Your Passwords Immediately

Start with the affected accounts and then move on to any others where you reused the same password (a good reason not to reuse passwords in the future). Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and consider using a reputable password manager to help you generate and store them securely.  In the future, change your passwords frequently and do not reuse or use the same password for multiple logins.

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Add an extra layer of security to your important accounts (email, banking, investments, social media, etc.). Even if someone has your password, 2FA makes it much harder for them to gain access.

5. Contact Financial Institutions

Here are some immediate steps to take if your credit card or bank details were exposed:

• Alert your bank or card issuer immediately.
• Freeze or cancel the affected cards.
• Monitor your statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Taking prompt action can help protect your finances and prevent further fraudulent activity.

6. Check Your Credit Reports

You’re entitled to one free credit report each year from the three major credit bureaus— Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—which you can request at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review them for suspicious activity like new accounts you didn’t open. 

7. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

Here are two key tools to help protect your credit if your personal information is compromised:

• Fraud Alert: Notifies lenders to take extra precautions before issuing credit.
• Credit Freeze: Blocks anyone (including you) from opening new credit accounts in your name until you lift the freeze.

Both options are free and can prevent identity thieves from opening fraudulent accounts in your name.

8. Report the Identity Theft

If you believe your identity has been stolen, report it to:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
• Your local police department, especially if a financial crime occurred.
• Relevant institutions (like your health insurer or employer) if the data breach involved them.

Reporting identity theft is crucial to minimizing its impact on yourself and others and protecting you from further harm.

9. Monitor for Ongoing Suspicious Activity

Even after taking immediate action, keep an eye out for red flags such as:

• Unexpected bills or collection notices
• Notifications for unfamiliar logins
• Mail or packages addressed to you that you didn’t order

Consider using a credit monitoring app or service and regularly tracking your credit card activity as this can alert you to potential problems early.

10. Stay Informed and Prepared

Finally, stay updated on data breaches and cybersecurity best practices. Some key habits include:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Do not click on suspicious links or email attachments.
• Use antivirus software and keep your devices updated.
• Consider creating a unique email address that you only use for financial accounts.

Staying vigilant and maintaining strong digital defenses can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber threats.

Conclusion

Discovering that your personal information has been compromised can be stressful, but taking prompt, proactive action can help you mitigate damage and regain control. Think of this as a reminder to strengthen your digital habits and make identity protection part of your routine.