by Shane Coursen with assistance from Gemini
Every time there’s news of a major data breach the same panic erupts: “Oh no, my PII (Personally Identifiable Information) has been compromised! Now I need to be careful!” Caution is always wise, however this reaction often stems from a significant misunderstanding. The uncomfortable truth is that for most of us, our PII has already been compromised, and quite likely multiple times over!
Assume that for each new data breach that you hear about, if you happen to be affected by it, it isn’t the first time your information has seen the light of day. It’s more like another drop in an already overflowing bucket. Your name, address, date of birth, email, and even more sensitive details like social security number, health / insurance information, have probably been collected, bought, and sold on the dark web for years, long before the headline hit.
So, what does this mean for you? It isn’t about preventing your PII from ever being exposed. That ship has largely sailed. Instead, it’s about damage control and making it incredibly difficult for criminals to use the information they already have.
A reality check and what you can do:
- Assume your PII is compromised. This isn’t meant to scare you, but to empower you. By starting with this assumption, you’ll be more proactive in protecting yourself.
- Embrace Strong, Unique Passwords, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Passkeys. This is your absolute best defense. Use a password manager to create and store complex, unique passwords for every single online account. And wherever MFA is an option (like a code sent to your phone or an authenticator app), turn it ON! This critical second layer makes it much harder for someone to access your accounts, even if they have your password. If you have the option of using a passkey, then use one!
- Actively Monitor Your Financial Accounts and Credit. Don’t wait for a problem. Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. Utilize free services like AnnualCreditReport.com to check your credit report from all three major bureaus annually. Consider placing a fraud alert or even a security freeze on your credit file. These tools can prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name, thwarting identity thieves.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications. Since your information is likely out there, you’re a target for phishing emails, scam calls, and suspicious texts. Always verify the sender before clicking links or giving out any information. When in doubt, go directly to the official website or call the official number.
“The latest data breach “ is a symptom, not the core disease. The real threat isn’t just one incident, but the vast network of stolen data that already exists. By shifting your focus from preventing exposure to proactively limiting its impact, you can take meaningful steps to protect your digital life.