Despite the adoption of stricter regulations like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) that influences how organizations handle consumer data, data breach cases continue to pose a major threat in the US. A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive information like your personal details or financial data. This can happen due to cyberattacks, phishing scams, or even simple human error in handling data. If you suspect your data has been compromised, talk to a data breach lawyer to understand your rights and options.
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Signs of a Data Breach
According to the Verizon data breach report for the year 2023, 23% of data breaches are associated with compromised credentials. Some of the common signs of a data breach include noticeable indicators include unusual account activity such as;
- Unauthorized purchases or withdrawals
- Receiving unexpected password reset notifications for accounts you didn’t initiate
- Spotting unfamiliar transactions on your financial statements
- Unusual network and user activity
- Unexplained data modification
- Increased phishing attempts
- Performance issues that may be influenced by distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
Immediate Steps to Take in a Data Breach Incident
If you suspect your data has been breached, you can consider taking below steps:
- Change Passwords: Immediately change the passwords of affected accounts and any others that use similar credentials. Use strong, unique passwords.
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly check your financial and online accounts for any unusual activity or unauthorized transactions.
- Place Fraud Alerts: Contact one of the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
- Report the Breach: Inform your bank, credit card companies, and any affected service providers about the breach.
- Consider Identity Theft Protection: Enroll in an identity theft protection service for additional monitoring and assistance.
- Talk to a data breach lawyer: The lawyer would help you understand the options you have. They will help you get compensated for the damages realized from the incident.
Long-term Security Measures
To prevent future data breach cases, you need to adopt long-term security measures to ensure data integrity and security. Some of these measures may include:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts to reduce the risk of compromise.
- Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security. This makes it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
- Regularly updating your security software to protect against the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
- Staying vigilant about monitoring your accounts and being cautious about sharing personal information online.
Seeking Professional Help
Seeking professional help after a data breach is important. You need to consult with credit counselors to understand how the breach affects your financial health and get advice on protecting your credit. Data breach lawyers from reliable law firms, among them, Kazerouni Law Group can guide you on how to monitor your credit reports and manage any potential fallout. Additionally, it is wise to seek guidance from legal professionals to understand your rights and explore possible compensation for damages caused by the breach. Legal experts can further navigate the complexities of data breach laws and advocate on your behalf. By consulting with these professionals, you ensure that you take the necessary steps to mitigate harm and protect your interests.
Conclusion
It’s important to be aware of the common causes of data breaches such as weak passwords, outdated security software, or inadequate data encryption. Recognizing how breaches occur helps you appreciate why safeguarding your data is essential. By staying informed and taking proactive steps like monitoring your accounts regularly, you can mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and protect your personal information effectively.