How To Protect Yourself from the Recent Social Security Number Breach: A Quick Guide

In a concerning development, a recent cyberattack has reportedly compromised just about every American’s social security number. This breach puts millions at risk of identity theft, making it essential to take proactive steps to protect your credit.

Why You Should Consider Freezing Your Credit

One of the most effective ways to safeguard against unauthorized use of your financial information is to place a freeze on your credit. A credit freeze prevents lenders from accessing your credit report, meaning no new credit cards, loans, or other accounts can be opened in your name without your explicit approval. The best part? You can lift the freeze at any time if you need to make a major purchase and to put the freeze in place is free!

I recently froze my credit with the three main credit bureaus, and it only took about 10 minutes per bureau. While it’s a bit inconvenient that you have to handle each bureau separately, the time spent is small compared to the potential damage of identity theft later down the line.

Here are the links to freeze your credit:

How to Check if Your Information Was Breached for Free

If you’re unsure whether your data was compromised, Cybersecurity firm Pentester has compiled a free database that allows you to verify if your information is at risk. You can access the database through this link: https://npd.pentester.com/, or read more in the recent Time Magazine article covering this breach at: https://time.com/7011872/social-security-data-breach-information/.

Taking Action Now Can Save You Headaches Later

In today’s world, data breaches have become all too common, and taking quick action is key. Freezing your credit and checking for compromised information are straightforward steps that offer significant protection. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take control of your financial security now.

 

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