It’s a common scenario: you see a news bulletin reporting that a well-known company has suffered a data breach. Worse still, you realise that company holds your data. Or perhaps you receive a notification on your device informing you that your personal information has been exposed in a leak.
Data breaches are nothing new—and they are on the rise. Over the years, there have been countless incidents, including a recent cyberattack on Northern Ireland’s largest housing association, potentially exposing thousands of individuals' personal data.
What would you do in this situation? How should you react? Do you feel helpless or powerless? Do you choose to ignore it and go about your day? The reality is that taking even small corrective steps can make a difference. In these moments, we all have a choice: we can take action to protect ourselves or leave ourselves vulnerable.
In this blog, we’ll explore the digital traces we leave behind, the data points available to cybercriminals, and five essential steps you can take if you fall victim to a data breach.
How Much of Yourself Is Online?
We live in a digital age, meaning an enormous amount of information about us is available online. Various personal details are stored across multiple platforms as we engage in everyday activities such as social media sharing, online shopping, and internet banking.
Phone numbers, home addresses, National Insurance numbers, bank details, and dates of birth—these are just some of the valuable data points that cybercriminals can exploit for their own gain. With access to such information, criminals can commit identity theft and fraud, such as running up charges on a credit card, claiming your tax refund, or even securing an ID in your name.
While this may feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk. At ITUS Protect, we encourage small businesses to take control of their cyber security and work with us to understand and mitigate cyber risks.
Here are five steps you should take if you fall victim to a data breach.
- Change Your Passwords
A simple but effective step—update your passwords to ensure they are strong and unique. Regularly changing your passwords adds an extra layer of security. Consider using a password manager, such as 1Password or LastPass, to help store and manage them securely. - Change Your Email Address
If your email address has been compromised in a data breach, consider switching to a new one, especially if it’s linked to critical accounts. This reduces the risk of cybercriminals using it to access your information. - Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification, such as a one-time code sent to your device. This simple step significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access to your accounts. - Monitor Financial Accounts & Social Media
Keep a close eye on your banking transactions and online financial systems for any suspicious activity. Fraudsters may wait weeks or even months before attempting to misuse stolen data. Likewise, monitor your social media accounts—cybercriminals often impersonate victims to scam their networks. - Stay Informed & Seek Redress
Under GDPR, organisations are required to inform individuals when their data has been breached. You are entitled to receive details on when the breach occurred, the cause, and any actions taken. Regular updates should be provided by the company responsible. Additionally, you may be entitled to seek legal redress, so consulting a solicitor could be beneficial.
Final Thoughts
Data breaches are increasing because our personal information is valuable. However, if you find yourself affected, you are not powerless. Taking these small but essential steps can help protect you from potential harm. Remember, the consequences of a data breach may not be immediate—it could take months before your information is misused, making it all the more crucial to take action as soon as possible.
