Keeping your personal information safe online is crucial, and being aware of the signs of a compromised account can help you take the necessary steps to secure your data. Here are some signs that your account may be compromised:
- Getting an email to confirm your login from an unknown device
- Receiving an unexpected account verification code
- Password reset requests received out of the blue
These things may happen if your account has been compromised due to a data breach or leak or if someone you've shared your account information with attempts to access it. Trend Micro ID Security will warn you if the personal information you entered has been leaked and compromised online. If you receive such a warning, here's what you need to do.
What to do if your password is leaked
If your password is compromised, change your password on all websites that currently use it:
- Make sure you do not use the same password twice on any online accounts.
- Use the Password Checker feature in Trend Micro ID Security to see if a password you are creating or changing had circulated on the Dark Web. Avoid using a leaked password.
- Use the Trend Micro Password Generator to help you create strong, unique and secure passwords.
- Turn ON Two-factor Authentication on any website that offers it. It adds an extra layer of protection that makes it nearly impossible to defeat.
What to do if your email is leaked
If your email address is compromised:
- Change your passwords. Make sure to create a strong, unique password.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Watch out for phishing. Any unsolicited emails requesting personal or financial information should be treated with caution. Learn how to spot them.
To learn more, visit this article: What is Email Address Leak?
What to do if your phone number is leaked
If your phone number is compromised:
- Report the leak to the relevant authorities, such as your phone service provider.
- Use a secure phone number for your account's two-factor authentication, or think about utilizing other methods.
- Use a call and SMS blocking app like Trend Micro Check to avoid unwanted phone calls and texts messages.
- Notify your friends, family, and coworkers about the incident so they won’t fall for any scam attempts.
- If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, report it to the authorities.
To learn more, visit this article: What is Phone Number Leak?
What to do if your Social Security Number is leaked
If your social security number is compromised:
- Report the identity theft to the responsible government agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- File a police report with your local jurisdiction. While your city or county may not be able to investigate this crime, having a police officer can help you to recover from losses resulting from identity theft.
- Request a credit freeze with each of the three major consumer credit bureaus. A credit freeze will not affect your credit score, but it will prevent lenders accessing your credit report to open new accounts, rent apartments, apply for loans, etc.
- Request an extended fraud alert from the consumer credit bureaus (if you have filed a police report), which lasts for seven years.
- Contact the fraud department of any company where you suspect the fraudulent use of your social security number. Let them know that you have been the victim of identity theft and follow that company's guidance on changing all your login and password information.
- Request a free credit report. Look for and dispute any information you believe to be fraudulent.
What to do if your credit card details are leaked
If your credit card number is compromised, contact your card issuer, and follow their instructions to have the card canceled.
It may also affect your credit score. To learn more, visit this article: What is a credit score?
What to do if your bank account is hacked
If your bank account information is compromised, contact your bank, and follow their instructions to secure your account and funds.
What to do if someone leaks your address
If your home address is compromised:
- Find out how your address got online and how many people can see it.
- Request the website or social media platform to remove the information.
- Keep an eye out and see if your address appears anywhere else online.
- Consider installing CCTV cameras and replace your locks to increase your home security.
- If you're concerned for your safety, tell the authorities what happened.
To learn more, visit this article: What is a Home Address Leak?
See also
- How to install Trend Micro ID Security
- Why do I need to select a country?
- Why can I not verify my email address?
- How does ID Security know if my data is compromised?
- Why email address is needed to get notifications
- What happens if I remove my email from monitoring?
- What happens if my subscription expired?
