If you are tired of receiving notice after notice that your information was involved in a data breach, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to help prevent these from occurring. Not only can this help reduce the risk of your information being used for identity theft, but it can help provide you with peace of mind that your information is more secure. The following blog explores what you should know about these difficult matters and why working with an experienced San Diego consumer lawyer is in your best interest if you have had your information compromised.
What Is a Data Breach?
A data breach occurs whenever someone without proper authorization accesses information they are not cleared to see. In most instances, this can be something as simple as an employee without clearance to see important information. However, other instances are much more malicious.
Unfortunately for consumers, a considerable amount of data and personal information is stored online, from subscriptions and online retail stores to government agencies and doctor’s offices. As such, these companies are responsible for ensuring that your data is protected by the necessary security measures. However, when hackers can breach these measures, they may steal your data. Often, this results in the sale of consumer information on the dark web, from usernames and passwords to home addresses and dates of birth.
What Can I Do to Prevent a Data Breach?
Unfortunately, there is little you can do as a consumer to help prevent a data breach. However, there are steps you can take to secure your data and reduce the risk of your information being compromised in these instances.
One step you can take when utilizing online services is to be mindful of how much information you provide. When you sign up for a website or service, you may have the option to save information like your address or credit card for a faster checkout experience next time. Though it may seem tempting, storing this information on these servers increases the likelihood that you will be impacted should a data breach occur. As such, it may be in your best interest to manually insert this information each time you need to use the website.
Additionally, if your information is involved in a data breach, having multi-factor authentication can help reduce the damage you experience. When your username, email, and password are stored on servers, any thief who accesses this information can use your log-ins with ease. However, using two-factor authentication can help add an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it more difficult for thieves to access accounts.
As a consumer, it can be difficult to know that all that stands between you and identity theft is the security system implemented by a company. As such, taking the necessary steps to help shield your personal information is critical. If you are impacted, you’ll find that working with an experienced consumer defense attorney with Barthel Legal is in your best interest. We understand how difficult these matters can be, which is why we are dedicated to helping you hold negligent companies accountable for their failed security and assist you in reclaiming your identity. Contact us today to learn more.
