Moveit Data Breach: Safeguarding Your Personal Data and Credit

In an increasingly digital world, our personal data is more vulnerable than ever before. The recent Moveit data breach serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding our sensitive information. In this blog, we’ll discuss the Moveit data breach, its implications, and offer practical tips to help you protect your personal data and credit.

This recent large breach of confidential information is related to a company called MOVEit, that was a vender to insurance companies, mortgage companies, investment companies, etc. If you are impacted directly, you will receive a letter from the financial company that was using this vender. We’ve seen those letters showing up in mailboxes starting around August 1^st.

Steps to Protect Your Personal Data:

1. Regularly Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Stay vigilant by reviewing your bank and credit card statements frequently. Look for any suspicious activity, no matter how small, and report it immediately. Most financial institutions offer alerts for unusual transactions, which can help you catch fraud early.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A strong password is your first line of defense. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdates or common words. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
3. Use Password Keepers online: Use an online password keeper like Dashlane or Lastpass to take your web security to the next level. These tools offer password storage, password generators, password alerts when a known breach occurs, Dark Web monitoring, and more.
4. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Cybercriminals often use phishing emails to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. Be cautious when clicking on links, forwarding or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources. Check the header of emails to verify the senders web address.
5. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, antivirus software, and other applications. Updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.
6. Limit Sharing of Personal Information: Be cautious about what personal information you share online, especially on social media. Cybercriminals can use this information for targeted attacks with “social engineering”.
7. Monitor Your Credit Reports: Request free credit reports from major credit bureaus at least once a year. Review these reports for inaccuracies or suspicious activities, which could be a sign of identity theft.
8. Sign Up For Credit Monitoring: Use free sites like Credit Karma to monitor your credit report, or sign up for monitoring through Experian, Equifax or TransUnion.
9. Freeze Your Credit – If you think you’re the victim or a breach, or just being extra cautious, freeze your credit with each of the three bureaus to prevent new accounts being opened. Read more here.
   

While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, following these steps can significantly reduce your vulnerability to data breaches and identity theft. By taking proactive measures to protect your personal data and credit, you’re empowering yourself to navigate the digital landscape with greater confidence and security.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with questions, and especially if you think you’re the victim of a data breach or fraud.