A significant data breach has revealed millions of Americans personal information, including Social Security numbers. Hackers gained access to private data, including phone numbers, addresses, birth dates, and identities, by targeting National Public Data, a data broker in the United States. Many people are at danger of identity theft as a result of this compromise.

This is certainly an issue for Nigerians residing in the United States. With so much personal data available these days, you need to take immediate action to safeguard your identity and ward off any fraud.

1. Freeze Your Credit

One of the first things you should do is freeze your credit with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This step stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name. If you need to apply for credit later, you can temporarily lift the freeze when necessary.

2. Check Your Credit Reports Regularly

Make sure to keep an eye on your credit reports to spot any unusual activity. You’re entitled to a free report every year from each of the major credit bureaus. Catching something strange early can help you deal with it before it gets worse.

3. Sign Up for Identity Monitoring

It might be a good idea to look into an identity monitoring service. These services can alert you if your personal information shows up on the dark web or if it gets used in ways that don’t seem right. Sometimes, companies that have experienced breaches offer these services for free.

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Secure your online accounts by turning on two-factor authentication (2FA). It’s an extra step that makes it harder for anyone to get into your accounts, usually by sending a code to your phone when you log in.

5. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Never use the same password on multiple websites. Ascertain that each account has a strong, distinct password. You may easily create and maintain these passwords with the aid of a password manager.

6. Be Careful of Phishing Scams

Watch out for emails or messages that don’t seem right. Scammers often pose as legitimate companies to trick you into giving up personal information. If something feels off, don’t click on any links or provide any details.

7. Double-Check Any Messages You Get

You should not rely on the contact information in a message that appears to be from your bank or another service provider. To verify whether the message is genuine, go straight to the business’s official website or call the number on the back of your card.  (Daily Sun)