It's a frustrating moment: you get an email or letter saying your data has been breached. It's happening more and more these days, and no one is immune.
From banks to e-commerce sites to even governments, data breaches expose sensitive information like your address, tax file number, and credit card details. While you can't control when a business gets hacked, you can take some crucial steps to protect yourself afterwards.
Here's what you should do right away to minimise financial risks and secure your information:
The first thing to do is update your passwords. Start with the service that sent you the breach notification, then move on to any accounts where you've used the same password.
Using unique passwords for every site is crucial to limiting the damage from breaches. If you're not already doing this, a password manager can be a lifesaver. It helps you create strong, unique passwords and keeps track of them all.
Multifactor authentication (also called two-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security. Even if hackers have your password, they can't access your account without the second authentication step.
Here are common MFA options to activate:
Enable MFA for the breached account and all other services where it's available.
If your payment details were compromised, keep a close eye on your bank accounts for a few weeks. Report any suspicious charges immediately.
Here's what to do:
By acting quickly, you reduce the chances of being held responsible for fraudulent charges.
When personal information like your tax file number is stolen, it's better to be safe than sorry. A credit freeze prevents criminals from opening new accounts in your name.
Contact these three major credit bureaus to freeze your credit:
Freezing your credit is free and can be done easily on their websites.
Read the breach notification thoroughly to understand what happened and how it affects you. Look for details like:
A solid cybersecurity setup can help protect your devices and sensitive information. Here are a few must-haves:
These tools are easy to implement and add much-needed layers of protection.
Hackers often use stolen email addresses for phishing attacks. These emails can look incredibly convincing, but there are ways to avoid falling for them:
When in doubt, verify the email through an official source.
Cybercriminals exploit outdated software to access your devices. To close this door, always keep your systems updated.
This includes:
At CICT Solutions, we understand the challenges businesses face in navigating the aftermath of a data breach. Our tailored IT solutions are designed to help protect your sensitive information, strengthen your cybersecurity measures, and ensure your business stays resilient in an increasingly digital world.
For personalised support, enquire online at CICT Solutions or call us directly at 1300 06 06 01 to learn how we can help safeguard your business today.