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5 practical steps to take when your personal data leaks online

5 practical steps to take when your personal data leaks online

It appears to be the season of data leaks across industries. Sometimes, these leaks are not your fault and could come from companies that you trusted with your data. There is only so much you can do to protect yourself online and when your personal data leaks, you can choose to take the following steps.

5 practical steps to take when your personal data leaks online

1. Stay alert

Most times, when there is a system breach, a company’s security team is the first to know about it. What they do in times where users’ personal data leaks is to inform them. So, look out for messages from the services you use.

2. Be wary of messages and calls

Next, expect bad actors to try several known hacking attempts such as phishing emails, messages, and calls. Usually, the aim of these tactics are to get you to click on links while some attempt to make you give up more sensitive information.

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3. Secure your accounts

You should also employ the several methods of securing your accounts such as changing passwords and activating two-factor authentication. However, if your device was stolen or your email account is compromised, you should be careful of changing things immediately. Some bad actors anticipate these sort of panic responses and may capitalise on them to hijack OTPs.

4. Monitor account activities

If you feel that your accounts may be tampered with, monitor the activities. Remember to check your inboxes for any strange signups or password change requests.

5. Update apps

Updating your device software or the compromised app might help preserve its integrity when the data leak is widespread. In such cases, the service providers may roll out a solution that requires you to update your software to get.

There are several more steps you can take if the data leak is quite serious. Most times, your service provider will tell you what you should do next.

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Onwuasoanya Obinna

A reader of books and stringer of words. Passionate about Science and Tech. When not writing or reading he is surfing the web and Tweeting.