Data breaches aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re hitting harder than ever. If you’ve received a letter or e-mail from a company saying “your information may have been exposed”—you’re not alone.
In 2024 alone, over 1.3 billion breach notifications were sent out, a 211% increase from the year before. Healthcare has been hit especially hard: the Change Healthcare breach exposed the data of nearly 190 million Americans, while a 2025 Episource breach compromised 5.4 million records, including Social Security numbers and medical data.
So the question is: what should you do when a company fails to protect your personal information?
1. Verify the Breach Is Real
Hackers often impersonate companies with fake breach notices to steal more information.
Always confirm through the company’s official website or customer service—not the contact info in the message.
2. Identify What Data Was Leaked
Not all data is equal.
- Credit card numbers can be replaced.
- SSNs or medical records are far more damaging.
Knowing what was compromised helps you take the right next steps.
3. Change Passwords and Turn on MFA
Immediately update your passwords for the breached account and any others using the same login.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) so even if your password is stolen, criminals can’t easily get in.
4. Monitor Your Accounts Closely
- Check your bank and credit card statements.
- Review your medical or insurance claims.
- Watch for unexpected password resets or new accounts opened in your name.
If something looks off, act quickly.
5. Report Suspicious Activity
If fraud occurs, notify:
- Your bank or credit card provider
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Local law enforcement if needed
The sooner you report, the stronger your protections.
6. Watch for Phishing Attempts
After a breach, attackers often use stolen details to send convincing fake e-mails.
Don’t click unexpected links, download attachments, or share personal info unless you’re certain of the source.
7. Consider Identity Theft Protection
If sensitive data like your SSN was stolen, consider enrolling in identity theft protection. These services can:
- Monitor your credit reports
- Alert you when your info surfaces on the dark web
- Help restore your identity if it’s misused
Why This Matters More in 2025
- Breaches are bigger: the Change Healthcare hack alone impacted over half of Americans.
- Healthcare is a top target, and criminals are reselling medical + identity data at record levels.
- Regulators are proposing tougher cybersecurity rules, requiring stronger protections across industries.
Quick Checklist
- Verify the breach is legitimate
- Find out what was stolen
- Update passwords + enable MFA
- Monitor accounts for unusual activity
- Report fraud immediately
- Stay alert for phishing scams
- Use identity protection if SSNs/medical data leaked
Final Word
It’s frustrating when a company that promised to safeguard your data falls short. But you’re not powerless. Acting fast—and following these steps—can help you stop the bleeding and take back control.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for a breach to secure your accounts. Turn on MFA and review your passwords today.