by Scott Sykes, CISO

It is highly probable that your data has already been compromised.
Given the plethora of data breaches over recent years impacting the banking, healthcare, and communications sectors, it is likely that your personal information has been compromised and is circulating on the dark web. However, there are measures you can take to safeguard yourself.

How to Determine if Your Data Has Been Compromised
To ascertain whether your data has been compromised, you can utilize reliable National Public Data Breach sites that scan the dark web on your behalf:

• NPD Breach Check (http://npd.pentester.com/)
• National Public Data Breach Check & Search (npdbreach.com)

For a detailed review of these sites, you can visit PCMag’s article.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/is-your-ssn-in-the-national-public-data-breach-heres-how-to-find-out

Protect Yourself: The Two Most Crucial Steps

1. Freeze Your Credit Reports
One of the most effective defensive measures is to freeze your credit reports. I discussed this in the November 2023 issue of this newsletter. When you are not applying for loans or new credit cards, it is advisable to freeze your credit reports at the three major credit bureaus:

• Equifax  https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
• Experian  https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
• TransUnion  https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Simply visit their websites, create an account, and look for the option to freeze access to your credit report. This will prevent anyone from taking out a loan or applying for a credit card using your identity.

2. Set Up Alerts
Activate text and/or email alerts with:

• All credit bureaus
• Your banks
• Your credit card companies
• Your utility providers
• Your medical service providers

Ensure that no money is debited, transferred, paid, billed, or even deposited without you receiving a notification. Monitor your accounts in real-time and daily. This vigilance will enable you to quickly recognize and halt any fraudulent activities.