What to do if you’re on the list?

Last week, Vermont Business Magazine reported over 42,000 Vermonters had their personal data compromised in a data breach with a list of companies (mostly insurance agencies) listed. (You can read the list HERE.) If you’re one of those affected, it’s crucial to know how to respond and protect yourself against potential repercussions.

1. Assess the Damage:  Find out what specific information was compromised – was it your social security number, credit card details, passwords, or a combination of sensitive data? This will help you gauge the potential risks and take appropriate actions.

2. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly monitor your financial accounts, credit reports, and online profiles for any suspicious activity. Set up alerts for any changes or transactions that occur, and report any unauthorized activity to your bank, credit card company, or the relevant authority.

3. Change Passwords: If your passwords were part of the compromised data, immediately change passwords for all your accounts. Ensure that you’re using strong, unique passwords for each account, preferably with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if someone gets hold of your password, they won’t be able to access your accounts without the second factor (usually a code sent to your phone or email).

5. Beware of Phishing Attempts: Scammers often use data breaches as opportunities to launch phishing attacks. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information or directing you to unfamiliar websites. Verify the authenticity of such requests through official channels.

6. Consider Credit Freezes: To prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name, consider placing a credit freeze on your credit reports. This restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for fraudsters to use your information to apply for credit.

7. Protecting Your Future: SecurShred, a leading information destruction and data protection company, offers tailored solutions to safeguard your sensitive information from future attacks. We specialize in secure document shredding, electronic media destruction, and hard drive disposal. Here’s how partnering with SecurShred can help protect your data:

• • Secure Document Shredding: Properly disposing of physical documents containing sensitive information is crucial. SecurShred’s secure shredding services ensure that your confidential papers are destroyed beyond reconstruction, reducing the risk of identity theft.
  • Electronic Media Destruction: As technology advances, data breaches can also involve digital devices. SecurShred provides secure destruction of electronic media, such as hard drives, USB drives, and CDs, ensuring that no residual data remains.
  • Data Security Compliance: SecurShred follows industry regulations and best practices for information destruction. By entrusting them with your data disposal needs, you can rest assured that your information is handled in compliance with legal requirements.

Feel free to reach out to set up an appointment to learn more about our services to protect your sensitive data at https://securshred.com