What to do after a data breach?

The cases of cyberattacks are increasing annually. At least 85% of small and midsize companies plan to increase their security spending by 2023. Prevention is always cheaper than consequences.

Yet, successful cyberattacks happen. And knowing how to respond can decrease the level of damage significantly.

Here is what you should know about what to do after a data breach.

Was your password just leaked? What to do after a data breach ?

If you have just received an email from a company apologizing for leaking the data, take it seriously. After all, your security matters. One successful data leak can cause unexpected and unpredicted damage in the future.

So, what to do after a data breach? What immediate steps should you take?

Change the password immediately.

If you noticed your password was leaked, change it immediately. After a data breach, hackers usually upload a list of all the stolen data on dark web forums. From here, anyone can buy it and access the credentials.

If you do not change your password instantly, many cybercriminals can access your breached account easily. And they will.

If you used that password anywhere else, change it there too.

You see where we are heading, right?

Let’s say your password on the breached account was PizzAwit#783Pepperoni. Although it is a relatively strong password, it will not protect your accounts after a data leak.

If you reused this password on more than one platform, you need to update it on all of them. Just make sure to keep the same level of password complexity.

Strengthen most critical accounts with Two-factor authentication.

One of the most important things to do after a data breach is to increase the security of critical platforms. Protect your financial, work, or other accounts with sensitive data by turning on Two-factor authentication (2FA).

This will serve as a second layer of security. Even if the hacker successfully enters the login combination, he needs to confirm your identity with the second device (which he does not have).

2FA can radically boost your account security. Keep it turned on whenever possible.

Beware of phishing attacks.

As a rule of thumb, after a data breach, social engineering attacks intensify. One of the most popular and effective attacks is phishing. Hackers reach you with a well-constructed message and trick you into giving away more sensitive information.

After a data breach, be especially aware of any random message, invitation, or email that you receive. Hackers might try to use your email or phone to send you baits. Do not fall for that.

Password hygiene: update all your passwords.

After you complete all the necessary steps after a data breach, make sure to invest some time into password hygiene:

• Go through your accounts and update all weak, easy-to-guess passwords into strong ones.
• Delete accounts that you no longer use.
• Make sure each platfrom has a unique combination of username and password.
• Never reuse one password on more than one account.
• Use a password manager to safely store your sensitive information.

You should now know what to do after a data breach.

If you ever become a victim of a data leak, follow these steps and respond to it as soon as possible.

Yet, never wait for a data breach to review the safety of your accounts. Remain vigilant and follow good password hygiene practices daily.