Here at DubLow Digital, we believe that small businesses and individuals in Colorado need to be ready for anything—including data breaches. When you receive an email or letter informing you that your data has been compromised, it can feel overwhelming. Data breaches are happening all too often these days, from banks and online platforms like Facebook to government systems and ecommerce stores. Unfortunately, this means that sensitive information, such as your address, Social Security Number (SSN), and credit card details, can be exposed to cybercriminals.
While you can’t control if a business gets hacked, there are critical steps you can take afterward to minimize the damage. Below, we outline the most important actions you should take to help mitigate potential financial losses.
1. Change Your Passwords
The first step is to change your passwords. Start with the account that was breached, then update any other accounts that use the same or similar passwords. This is why it is best practice to use unique passwords for each account—reusing passwords puts multiple accounts at risk. Using a password manager can help you create strong, unique passwords, and you only need to remember one master password to access all your logins.
2. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication (MFA) can keep accounts secure even if a hacker has your password. Enable MFA for the compromised service first, then make sure it is activated for all other accounts that support it. MFA, also known as two-factor authentication or two-step verification, adds an extra layer of protection.
Common forms of MFA include:
- Text messages
- Authentication apps
- Security keys
3. Monitor Your Bank Accounts
If payment card information was exposed, monitor your bank accounts for any unauthorized transactions over the next several weeks. Notify your bank about the third-party data breach, and request a new payment card if needed. By being proactive, you can help avoid being held liable for fraudulent charges. Your bank may also guide you on the appropriate steps to prevent fraud.
4. Freeze Your Credit
Online criminals may attempt to use your stolen personal information to open lines of credit in your name. To prevent this, contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to freeze your credit. This will prevent unauthorized credit accounts from being opened in your name.
5. Carefully Review the Breach Notification
Understanding the specifics of the data breach is crucial. Review the notification you received and stay updated through the company’s website. Look for the following details:
- The type of data that was exposed (e.g., passwords, credit card information).
- Any reparations the company is offering, such as free credit monitoring services.
- Instructions provided to secure your account.
Companies may not immediately know the full extent of the breach, so be sure to check for updates regularly.
6. Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Protections
Take steps to secure your devices and network by using basic cybersecurity tools. These include:
- Antivirus/anti-malware software to protect your devices from threats.
- DNS filtering to block malicious websites.
- Email spam filtering to reduce phishing attacks.
Another effective measure is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which helps mask your internet traffic. This is especially helpful if you are using public Wi-Fi, and VPNs are available for both computers and mobile devices.
7. Watch Out for Phishing Scams
When your email address is compromised in a data breach, you may experience an increase in phishing attempts. Cybercriminals use sophisticated tools, such as AI, to make phishing emails look convincing. Stay alert and follow these best practices to avoid phishing:
- Hover over links to check where they lead before clicking.
- Go directly to websites instead of clicking links in emails or text messages.
- Be wary of emails from unknown senders.
- Look out for phishing attempts on social media and in text messages.
- When in doubt, verify information through an official source.
8. Keep Software and Systems Updated
Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. To minimize this risk, make sure your devices—including smartphones, tablets, routers, and IoT devices—are always up to date. Enable automatic updates wherever possible to ensure you receive security patches promptly.
Managed Security Services You Can Trust
Here at DubLow Digital, we are committed to helping small businesses and individuals in Colorado stay protected. Managed security services can provide the peace of mind you need, whether at home or at work. If you want to strengthen your device security, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a conversation about your cybersecurity needs.
