Data breaches are so common that you may be tempted to ignore them altogether. But doing so is a big mistake, cybersecurity experts say.
What should I do after a data breach?
It's crucial to not ignore the breach notification. Read the notice carefully to understand what happened and how to protect yourself. Change your passwords for the affected site and any other sites where you use the same password. Additionally, monitor your credit card statements for any unusual charges and consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus.
How can I protect my information online?
To enhance your online security, consider using a password manager to create and store unique passwords. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources and be cautious with QR codes. When making online purchases, use a credit card instead of a debit card for better fraud protection.
Breach fatigue refers to the desensitization people experience due to the frequency of data breaches. With over a billion individuals affected in the first half of 2024 alone, many may feel overwhelmed and choose to ignore breach notifications. However, cybersecurity experts warn that this is a risky approach, as it can leave individuals vulnerable to identity theft and scams.