LANSING (WWJ) In the wake of several high profile data breaches this year, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are offering tips on how to protect yourself from scammers and identity thieves.
“The number of data breaches and identity theft reports continues to rise every year,” Nessel said. “Scammers are on a mission to steal your personal information to commit fraud, so it’s important to take data breach notices seriously..."
Nessel said you should take the following steps during a data breach:
-Beware of phishing emails and texts
-Strengthen or change passwords
-Get rid of unnecessary data and files
-Use multi-factor authentication on devices or accounts
-Review your credit reports often. Utilize the free weekly credit reports from each of the main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by contacting the Annual Credit Report website.
Noting that "criminals look for weak points” in your system; the FTC urges you to turn on automatic updates to your security software, internet browser, operating system and mobile apps.
Take steps to secure your home wi-fi network, so if malware does get attached to your home network, it doesn’t spread to all devices connected to it.
According to the FTC, you should ensure your passwords are at least 15 characters long. You can use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
If a password of random characters is too hard to remember, you can also use a passphrase that consists of random words. The FTC says to refrain from using common song lyrics or movie quotes that hacker programs can guess.
Also, avoid security questions with a limited number of responses (i.e. the color of your first car) or with answers that are a matter of public record (i.e. your zip code, birthplace or mother’s maiden name).
High profile security breaches in 2024 included McLaren Health Care, Change Healthcare, Ascension Healthcare, and AT&T.