What To Do If Your Data Has Been Breached?

Data breaches are becoming more common, and the risks are real. Your personal information, financial details, and sensitive data can be exposed in an instant, leaving you vulnerable to fraud and identity theft.

If you suspect your data has been compromised, taking swift action is crucial. This guide walks you through the necessary steps to minimize damage if you suspect a data breach  and ways to monitor dark web forums to mitigate potential risks and prevent future breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Data Breach

If you’ve been affected by or a  victim of a data breach, then your personal and financial details could be used at any moment. So, you should immediately:

1. Secure Your Finances

If financial data was compromised, always freeze your debit/credit cards via your mobile app. Contact your bank and card issuer to report the breach, cancel compromised cards, and initiate investigations. Prevent identity theft by freezing your credit with major credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. 

2. Change Passwords Immediately

Hackers buy and sell stolen credentials on the dark web. You must change all compromised passwords. You should opt for a password manager for secure storage and generation. Also, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a layer of security to your accounts. 

3. Assess the Damage

Understand what information was exposed in a dark web data breach to asses the damage. Review breach notifications and can also determine if your email address has been compromised using PurePrivacy’s free dark web scan.

4. Monitor for Fraud

Regularly check bank records, financial statements and credit reports for unauthorized activity. You can also set up alerts with your bank to notify you of suspicious activity.

5. Beware of Phishing Attacks

Data breaches often trigger targeted phishing attempts. Stay vigilant of suspicious emails, texts, and calls. Never click on unknown links as someone pretending to be from your bank could gain unauthorized access. 

6. Remove Your Information from Data Broker 

Data brokers collect and sell personal information, increasing your exposure to breaches. Opt out of 200+ data brokers with PurePrivacy’s automated opt-out.

7. Secure Government Accounts

Protect important government accounts like Social Security, tax portals, and health services against identity thefts. Request an IRS Identity Protection PIN, create a My Social Security account, and lock your SSN via myE-Verify.

8. Maintain Regular Monitoring

Data breaches have long-term consequences. Continuously monitor your accounts and personal information to prevent them from being exposed on the dark web. 

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How to Enable Dark Web Monitoring to Prevent Further Damages After a Breach

PurePrivacy’s Dark Web Monitoring provides continuous surveillance of your data on the dark web, sending timely alerts when your crucial identifiers and associated data appear on hacker marketplaces and forums. 

Here's how you can use Dark Web Monitoring:

1. Sign up for PureMax.
2. Download and install the PureVPN app.
3. Log into your account and click Dark Web Monitoring.

4. Select Add Assets to Monitor and enter your email address, SSN/NIN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number in the respective fields.

5. Enter the code sent to your registered number to verify your identity, and you’re done.

6. Get timely alerts and follow the recommended measures if your personal data is part of a breach to protect yourself from further harm.

What To Do If a Scammer Is Using Your Data?

If your data is being actively used by scammers, then you must immediately:

1. Determine exactly how the scammer is misusing your information. 
2. If financial data is compromised, immediately report the fraud to your bank, credit card company, or relevant financial institutions.
3. Change all your online account passwords.
4. Report the identity theft to your local police department, law enforcement and data protection authorities.

Use Dark Web Monitoring to Get Alerts About Information Leaks

Your personal information is a target for hackers and scammers, that will ruin your online identity and finances.

Imagine losing your hard-earned money, your reputation, and your peace of mind to a cybercriminal.

With PureVPN, you can scan the Dark Web 24/7 and receive alert notifications whenever someone posts your private information (Email Address, Phone Number, Credit Card Number, SSN, Passport Number). Get instant Dark Web Alerts and the power to stop data breaches dead in their tracks.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What should I do if my email was in a data breach?

  

  You must change your password immediately and avoid clicking on any password reset email that was not initiated by you. Keep an eye on if your email was used in authorized logins and enable 2FA. Finally monitor your inbox for any suspicious emails that could be phishing attempts.

• Data leak known as 'Mother of All Breaches': what to do next?

  

  You must first analyze what data is compromised which can be easily done via PureVPN’s dark web scan. Later, you can change passwords, freeze your credit, monitor your accounts, or contact the company for proper precautionary measures.

• What are my rights if my data has been breached?

  

  In many jurisdictions, companies are legally required to notify you if your data has been breached. You may ask what data was compromised and can sue a company for damages if their negligence led to a data breach. You can also file complaints with regulatory bodies like the FTC or data protection authorities.

• How to remove leaked personal data?

  

  Once your data is leaked, it is difficult to recover, but you can contact the breached company and request data removal if legally possible. Change your passwords, opt out of data brokers, and regularly search for your personal information. Use PureVPN’s advanced features to enhance your online privacy, as once data is out on the dark web, it can increase your risk.

Wrap Up

Vigilance is your most powerful defense against all kinds of cyber crimes. By understanding your rights, using reliable privacy management services, and taking immediate action when breaches occur, you can mitigate the risks to your personal information.