The Inevitable Data Breach: Is Your Personal Information Already Compromised?
Data breaches have become a sadly common occurrence. In the past month alone, AT&T reported a breach that exposed the sensitive information of over 70 million people, including their Social Security numbers and passwords. This begs the question: is it inevitable that our personal data will be compromised eventually?
The Reality of Data Breaches
Cybersecurity expert Kyle Hanslovan of Huntress believes that it’s only a matter of time. “If your information hasn’t been compromised yet, it will be,” he warns.
Jay Jacobs, an analyst who worked on Verizon’s data breach reporting, estimated in 2015 that 60% to 80% of Social Security numbers had already been stolen. This estimate was made before the massive Equifax breach in 2017, which affected over 148 million people.
The Problem with Social Security Numbers
Theft of Social Security numbers is so rampant that the federal government has made it extremely difficult to get a new one, even if you can prove yours has been stolen. You must provide evidence of “ongoing problems” resulting from the misuse of your number.
Even if you do manage to obtain a new number, the Social Security Administration cautions that it could create a host of other challenges.
Protecting Yourself
Hanslovan emphasizes that instead of dwelling on potential breaches, it’s more effective to monitor your important accounts and be prepared to act if something goes wrong. Regularly check your credit reports, bank statements, and online accounts for any suspicious activity.
What to Do If Your Data Is Compromised
If you fall victim to a data breach, visit IdentityTheft.gov, the official U.S. government resource for identity theft victims, for guidance on how to proceed. You’ll be able to place fraud alerts on your credit reports, notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and potentially file a police report.
Unfortunately, dealing with identity theft can be a lengthy and frustrating process, requiring several steps to clear your name.
The Responsibility of Companies
Hanslovan acknowledges that the normalization of data breaches has eroded privacy protections. While it’s important for individuals to take precautions, companies that fail to protect user data should be held accountable for their shortcomings.
By understanding the reality of data breaches and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can minimize the risk of harm and respond effectively if your information is compromised.
