What to Do If Your Information Is Exposed in a Data Breach

Getting a data breach notice can make your mind jump straight to the worst-case scenario. Before you panic, remember that exposed information does not always mean someone has stolen your identity.

If your information is exposed in a data breach, confirm what happened, secure affected accounts, check your credit, and consider a credit freeze if sensitive personal information was involved.

How Do You Confirm a Data Breach?

Do not click links in an unexpected email or text. Instead, go directly to the organization’s official website or call a phone number you know is legitimate.

Once you confirm the breach, find out exactly what was exposed. A compromised password calls for a different response than an exposed Social Security number or bank account.

If a password was involved, change it right away. Update any other accounts that use the same or a similar password, and enable multifactor authentication.

Should You Freeze Your Credit?

If financial information was exposed, contact your credit union, bank, or card issuer. Review recent activity, report anything unfamiliar, and turn on transaction alerts.

The Federal Trade Commission also recommends checking your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries. You can review them at AnnualCreditReport.com.

If your Social Security number or other sensitive identifying information was exposed, consider freezing your credit with all three bureaus:

• Freeze your credit with TransUnion

• Freeze your credit with Equifax

• Freeze your credit with Experian

A credit freeze is free, does not affect your credit score, and makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. You must place it separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

A fraud alert works differently. It does not block access to your credit, but it tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity.

How Can You Lower Your Risk?

Use strong, unique passwords, a password manager, multifactor authentication, software updates, and account alerts. Take a moment to verify unexpected emails, texts, and account notices before responding.

Still, no one is completely immune. Your information can be exposed through a company, employer, retailer, or service you trusted.

If you notice signs of identity theft, report them at IdentityTheft.gov. Our Checking also includes free ID theft aid to help eligible Members work through the recovery process if identity theft occurs.