As more people rely on the internet to shop, bank, file taxes and more, thieves are finding more ways to steal personal information. While many people take the necessary precautions to keep their details safe, thieves may still be able to attain personal information by hacking into the systems of larger businesses. How can you make sure you’re secure and what steps can you take if your information is stolen?
This month, I’m digging deeper into the topic of identity theft, specifically discussing the rise of data breaches. Sometimes, despite your best efforts to protect your identity, you may still be compromised—as the 143 million people impacted by the Equifax data breach learned. Page one outlines what to do if you learn you’re the victim of a data breach, from monitoring your credit reports and accounts to placing fraud alerts and freezes on your credit file to prevent thieves from using what was stolen. Page two outlines the specific steps to take if your banking and credit card information or driver’s license information has been stolen.
Although the thought of a thief having access to your online identity is frightening, this piece is intended to empower you to take control should you ever find yourself in the position where your information has been compromised.
