Protecting Your Personal Information After a Data Breach

(3 Minute Read) — Protecting your personal information is very important. No one wants to learn they’re the victim of a major data breach, but around 2.9 million of us have been affected by a recent one, and we’re just starting to learn how broad the impact really is. 

The recent data breach reportedly exposed billions of personal records. According to a class action lawsuit filed in Florida, a hacking group gained access to a vast database from National Public Data (NPD), a company known for compiling information from various public records.    

The hacking group reportedly made this data public on the dark web, and while NPD has not officially confirmed the specifics, they have indicated that they are investigating the situation and have deleted the database in question. CNBC has some answers to consumers’ questions about the breach. 

If your information was shared, there are steps you can take to mitigate potential risks:  

Consider a Credit Freeze 

One effective way to protect yourself is by freezing your credit. This prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name, which can help stop identity thieves in their tracks. You can freeze your credit for free with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you need to apply for new credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze.  

Monitor Your Accounts  

Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity. In Unitus Digital Banking, you can review all transactions as they post. If you notice something suspicious, tell us immediately.  

Report Identity Theft 

If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number fraudulently, report it to IdentityTheft.gov. This site will guide you through placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, notifying the Federal Trade Commission, and potentially filing a police report.  

While it’s true that data breaches are becoming more common, not everyone will experience identity theft. According to cybersecurity experts, the risk is often opportunistic. Whether the data breach impacts you, remember to use the Unitus security tools available to you. You can set up custom alerts/notifications in digital banking, freeze or unfreeze your cards with the Unitus Card Guard app, and you can always contact us directly if you suspect you’re the victim of fraud. 

At Unitus Community Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you navigate these challenges and supporting your financial well-being.