Worried About Data Breach? Here’s What You Can Do If Your Details Are Leaked Online

It is important to change your passwords at a regular interval irrespective of the data leak to ensure sensitive details are protected.

Representative Image

New Delhi: In a social media age, episodes of data breach have also become common where an individual’s sensitive details can become public. The recent Domino’s data breach revealed customer’s email, order details, address and many others details has once raised concerns about the safety of information.

On the popular mirco blogging site Twitter, users have shared a link where a person can check the leaked data. Earlier data breaches were reported at Air India, BigBasket and several e-commerce businesses which are into online food ordering, etc.

An individual can first check websites such as haveibeenpwned.com to know what details the hackers leaked when the data breach happened.

Here are steps to take after the breach of data

Remember to change password

It is important to change your passwords at a regular interval irrespective of the data leak. At the instance of data leak, you need to first change the password and remember not to re-use the passwords used on other platforms. If the password on one website is similar to the other, then there are chances hackers may use the credentials on other websites to gain access to login details.

It is advised to keep different passwords for each service. Also, note there are services available (like LastPass and 1Password) that can help in suggesting a strong password and remember it for you.

EEP 2-factor authentication

Make sure to use two-factor authentication for the services. Most services including emails, internet banking and e-commerce websites offer two factor autheticaton. This offers you an extra layer of security to your account. It is because a hacker cannot log in even if it has access to the account due to the additional security layer.

Apply for new cards

A data breach may also pose danger to financial details including bank account and credit card numbers. In such a case you can approach the bank to issue a new debit or credit card.

Also, it is suggested that you use UPI (Unified Payment Interface) for payments to protect your bank and card details from getting leaked. You can also apply for a virtual card with limited funds and validity. In case of a virtual card you get a different number and use it when making payemnts using cards online.

There are cases in which your credential are used for identity theft. In such a situation hackers can avail loans and other services on your name. You can get one credit report each year from a credit bureau. There are four bureaus, and that allows you to get four free reports. Make sure to check credit report every quarter to track if there are new loans. If you find anything unusual, act on it immediately.