With much of our lives connected to the digital realm, from online banking to social media, the amount of personal information we share is unprecedented. Unfortunately, this wealth of data is highly appealing to cybercriminals. In the UK, data breaches are on the rise, affecting millions every year. Given the potential impact, understanding how to protect your data has never been more essential. In this guide, we share some practical steps you can take to protect yourself from data breaches – both before they occur and after, should you fall victim to one.
Importance of data breach protection
Data breaches can expose sensitive information – like passwords, addresses, financial details, and even medical records – leading to issues like:
- Identity theft: Cybercriminals can impersonate you, applying for credit or services in your name, which can damage your credit score and financial standing.
- Financial fraud: Breached bank or credit card information can lead to unauthorised transactions, with hackers potentially draining your accounts or running up debt in your name.
- Privacy violations: A data breach can lead to serious invasions of privacy, with sensitive information such as health records, sexual orientation, or political affiliations potentially becoming accessible to unauthorised individuals or even the general public.
- Phishing attacks: Breached data is often used by cybercriminals to launch targeted phishing attacks, with scammers posing as trusted entities to obtain even more sensitive information.
- Emotional distress: The fear and stress of knowing your personal data is vulnerable can cause significant anxiety, impacting your overall well-being.
Proactive security habits can help reduce the likelihood of your data being compromised. In the unfortunate event that a breach does affect you, knowing what to do immediately can help mitigate potential damage, safeguard your financial and personal information, and even allow you to seek compensation for the losses you may have endured.
Preventative steps to protect from data breaches
While no one can be completely immune to data breaches, you can take several proactive steps to reduce the risk.
Use strong, unique passwords for every account
Many people rely on simple or reused passwords, making them vulnerable to hackers who can easily crack weak credentials. For example, in the recent 23andMe breach, criminals accessed user accounts by exploiting passwords stolen in another hack. To stay safe:
- Create a unique password for each account.
- Combine letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Avoid using easily guessable information, like birthdays or names.
- Consider using a reputable password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords, reducing the need to remember each one individually.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
In addition to your password, 2FA requires a second form of verification, such as a one-time code sent to your phone or email. This makes it much harder for unauthorised users to access your accounts. Enable 2FA where available, including banking, email, and social media.
Avoid suspicious links and attachments
Cybercriminals often use phishing to gain access to personal information. These scams involve emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources but contain malicious links. To protect yourself:
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
- Always verify the sender’s email address and look for red flags, like urgent language or requests for personal information.
- If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a message, contact the institution directly using official channels.
Regularly update software and devices
Outdated software often has security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Regularly updating your devices and applications helps protect them from these threats. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure your system has the latest security patches.
Use security software
Antivirus and anti-malware programs can detect, block, and remove potential threats before they can cause harm. Many options are available, from free versions to premium packages. Choose a reputable provider, keep the software updated, and run regular scans to catch threats early.
Limit personal information shared online
Be cautious about the amount of personal information you share online, especially on social media. The more you reveal, the easier it is for hackers to impersonate you or guess security questions.
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi
When using public Wi-Fi – for example at a coffee shop, airport or hospital – hackers can more easily intercept your internet activity. So never share sensitive data using a public wireless connection. If you do want to securely use public Wi-Fi, use a reputable VPN service to encrypt your connection and make it harder for others to access your data.
What to do immediately after a data breach
Large organisations, including those handling highly sensitive data, have fallen victim to sophisticated cyberattacks. So, no matter how many precautions you take, sometimes data breaches happen. If you discover or are notified of a data breach that affects you, taking these immediate steps can reduce the potential damage.
Change passwords for affected accounts
If one of your accounts has been breached, change its password immediately. Additionally, update passwords for any other accounts that may have shared the same or similar login credentials, as these can provide cybercriminals with a gateway to access multiple services.
Monitor your financial accounts
In the aftermath of a data breach, closely monitor your bank accounts, credit card statements, and any other financial accounts for unusual charges or transactions you don’t recognise. If you notice any unauthorised activity, immediately report it to your bank or credit card company.
Place alerts on financial accounts
If your financial data may have been compromised, consider placing a fraud alert with credit reference agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This warns creditors to take extra verification steps before approving credit requests.
Freeze your credit, if necessary
If you believe you’re at high risk of identity theft, consider placing a credit freeze on your report. This prevents lenders from accessing your credit report, making it more difficult for criminals to open new accounts in your name. You can request a freeze through the main credit reporting agencies. A freeze can be lifted temporarily or permanently if you decide to apply for credit in the future, giving you more control over your information.
Notify affected institutions
Banks, credit card companies, and service providers often have dedicated response teams for handling breaches and can help you take steps to secure your finances. They may also offer support in monitoring your accounts or providing recommendations on securing your data.
How to limit potential damage post-breach
Even after taking immediate action, remaining vigilant in the weeks and months following a data breach is essential.
Sign up for credit monitoring services
Credit monitoring will notify you of any suspicious behaviour – such as new credit inquiries, unusual activity, or changes to your credit report – enabling you to address issues before they escalate. Many credit agencies provide these services, sometimes free for breach victims, or as a low-cost subscription.
Request a copy of the breached data
If your data has been compromised, ask the breached organisation for details on what was affected. Understanding what information has been exposed can help you take targeted steps to protect yourself. For instance, if only your email and phone number were compromised, you may need to focus on monitoring phishing attempts, while more sensitive breaches may require additional security measures.
If the organisation does not provide the information you need, you can make a formal Subject Access Request. Find out how to make a SAR here.
Be cautious of phishing and scams
Data violations often lead to an increase in phishing scams, as criminals attempt to exploit the breach by impersonating trusted companies or organisations. Be wary of any emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from the breached company, especially if they ask for further personal information or passwords. If you need to confirm the legitimacy of any communications, contact the company directly using verified contact information.
Regularly review credit reports
After a data breach, it’s wise to review your credit report periodically for any new or unusual entries. In the UK, you’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus. Reviewing your credit report can help you detect signs of identity theft, such as new accounts opened in your name or unauthorised credit applications.
Take advice from the organisation that breached your data
Often, companies that experience a breach will provide advice or support to affected individuals. Follow any recommended steps to secure your data. If they offer free services, consider taking advantage of them to bolster your security. But make sure you don’t give away your rights to pursue compensation by accepting these offers.
Seeking compensation for data breaches through group litigation
In some cases, data breaches can expose thousands or even millions of people’s information, causing significant collective harm. If a breach has affected a large number of individuals, you may have the option to join a group claim to seek compensation. Group litigation allows people impacted by the same breach to join forces, share legal resources, and pursue justice together.
How to join a data breach group action
To participate in group litigation, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria and provide evidence that you were affected by the data protection failure.
For current data breach actions, visit Join the Claim. We simplify the process of connecting with others and provide guidance on your rights and options for compensation.
