There’s nothing scarier than finding out your sensitive, personal information was leaked on the internet. Not only are your credit cards revealed, but data like your address or social security numbers can be sold to hackers. Under federal law, consumers have a right to privacy when making purchases or using services, so you may be able to receive compensation for the damages sustained when a business doesn’t protect personal data. If you received notice that you were involved in a data breach, there are steps you can take to help secure your personal information. Similarly, you will also want to reach out to a Los Angeles, California data breach lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Understanding What a Data Breach Means for You
A data breach occurs when private and confidential consumer information is accessed by any unauthorized party, regardless of whether or not it was intentional. For example, a breach can be as innocuous as an employee receiving sensitive information on accident from their manager, or as severe as a group of hackers stealing personal information for nefarious purposes. Regardless, data breaches of any kind can put you at risk of having your identity stolen.
Common Types of Information Exposed in Breaches
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Banking information
- Credit card details
- Login credentials
- Medical and insurance details
- Emails and phone numbers
Immediate Steps to Take After Learning Your Data Was Breached
When your information is revealed in a data leak, you may begin to panic. However, taking the necessary steps to secure your accounts is crucial to ensure as little disruption as possible.
Secure Your Accounts Following a Data Breach
The affected company will likely email, call, or send you a letter to inform you that your information was compromised. It’s important to know what information is stored on their servers and immediately take action. This includes:
- Changing passwords for the affected service
- Changing passwords on all accounts that use the same or a similar password
- Enabling multi-factor authentication
- Log out of all sessions
Place a Fraud Alert or Freeze on Your Credit
As soon as you find out this information was affected, you should initiate a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus. This requires potential creditors to request identity verification from the applicant before continuing with the submitted application. A fraud alert will last for one year, and up to seven if you request extended alerts.
You can also place a freeze on your credit with Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. They will provide a pin that allows you to submit legitimate applications or unfreeze your account. This provides maximum protection following a credit breach. As such, many in Los Angeles and Southern California choose to freeze their credit immediately because it is free and effective.
Contact Your Bank and Credit Card Companies
If your banking or credit card information was exposed, you should contact the companies to inform them of the issue. They can issue new cards when necessary. Additionally, your bank or credit card company can help monitor your accounts for any unusual activity and send you alerts for any purchases or transfers that seem suspicious.
Monitor Your Credit Reports
After a data breach, it’s essential to monitor your credit reports. If someone gets a hold of your Social Security number, they can open accounts in your name, ruining your credit score in the process. As such, you should:
- Watch for new credit inquiries
- Review monthly statements
- Stay alert to unfamiliar mail or debt collection attempts
- Sign up for monitoring tools provided by the company, if offered.
Your Legal Rights After a Data Breach in California
After you have taken the necessary steps to protect your information, it’s critical to understand that this process is not done. Many consumers are unaware of their legal rights and options. It’s important to understand that companies have a legal obligation to safeguard your information. As such, if they fail to do so, you may be able to file a claim to recover compensation for the damages you have suffered.
When You May Be Entitled to Compensation
You may be eligible to recover compensation from the company that suffered a breach if they:
- Failed to safeguard your information
- Violated federal or California privacy laws
- Did not promptly notify you
- Used insufficient data security processes
Potential Damages You May Recover
If you have been impacted as a direct result of the data breach, you may be entitled to the following damages:
- Compensation for damages incurred through identity theft or fraud
- Unauthorized charges
- Lost time and expenses
- Credit repair costs
- Emotional damages (in some instances)
How To Protect Yourself Moving Forward
There are steps you can take to help reduce the risk that your information will be compromised in the future. As such, you should:
- Regularly check your credit report
- Avoid reusing passwords
- Keep your devices and software up-to-date
- Use two-factor authentication when possible
- Be wary of phishing attempts after a breach
Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Consumer Lawyer
In the event that your information is exposed during a data breach in Southern California, it’s critical to understand that you have legal options. However, navigating these matters on your own can be incredibly difficult, which is why working with a consumer protection attorney with Los Angeles Legal Solutions is critical. When your personal information is affected by the negligence of a company to keep it secure, you shouldn’t be left to pick up the pieces on your own. Contact LA Legal Solutions for guidance on how to proceed with your data breach case.
