Data breaches pose significant risks to consumers, potentially leading to identity theft, account takeovers, and various forms of fraud when personal and sensitive information is compromised. In the wake of a breach, it's crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your identity and secure your accounts.
One of the most effective ways to protect your identity after a breach is by regularly checking your credit report. Your credit report provides a detailed record of your credit history, including new lines of credit. By reviewing it regularly, you can quickly identify any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized accounts or credit inquiries, which may indicate identity theft.
We strongly advise all of our members to take advantage of our free credit report tool, SavvyMoney, available through online or mobile banking. This tool allows you to monitor your credit report easily and helps you stay on top of any changes that could signal potential identity theft.
If any portion of your Social Security Number was compromised in a breach, it is especially important to order a credit report immediately and scrutinize it for any unfamiliar activity. In addition to reviewing your report, you may want to consider placing a security freeze on your credit report. A security freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
By being vigilant and taking advantage of tools like regular credit report checks and security freezes, you can protect your identity and maintain control over your financial accounts in the event of a data breach
Consumer Tips - Protecting Your Identity and Accounts After a Data Breach
2.9 billion records possibly leaked in data breach: Protect yourself - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)