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 essential 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. Monitor your credit card statements for unusual charges and keep an eye on your credit score for any significant changes.
How can I safeguard my information online?
To enhance your online security, consider using a password manager to create and store complex passwords. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources and be cautious with QR codes. Additionally, always use credit cards for online transactions, as they offer better fraud protection compared to debit cards.
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, which cybersecurity experts warn against as it can lead to increased risk of identity theft and scams.