Protecting Your Digital Footprint

Personal data is valuable, especially in today's digital world. Vast amounts of information about individuals are constantly being collected, stored, and analyzed from social media interactions, online purchases, and medical records. While businesses and government agencies have a responsibility to protect this data, individuals must also take an active role in safeguarding their personal information by reviewing privacy settings on social media, limiting the sharing of information, and using strong passwords.

Data breaches, where malicious actors gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, is one of the biggest threats to personal privacy. Enabling multi-factor authentication, using encrypted communication channels, and regularly monitoring personal accounts for unusual activity will help to mitigate risk. Being cautious about phishing attempts and avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions can also reduce exposure to cyber threats.

If personal data has been compromised, it is essential to act quickly to minimize potential damage. Determine what information was exposed, such as Social Security numbers, financial account credentials, medical records, or passwords. Check for notifications from the affected company and watch for suspicious activity on your accounts. Take immediate steps to secure your information by changing passwords and notifying your bank, credit card companies, and the Social Security Administration. Consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze with major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to prevent identity theft.

The VA provides information on how to report identity theft and how to report fraud at https://department.va.gov/privacy/identity-theft/.