 TITLE: Survey: Companies Fear Data Breaches, Invest in Security CONTENT: Consumers Should Continue to Be Aware of Protecting Their Own Data\n------------------------------------------------------------------\nWhile many companies are working diligently to protect the private information they hold, it's important that consumers also take the proper steps to limit their exposure to the impacts of a data breach or cyber-attack.\n\"Consumers should be very diligent, especially right now, in protecting themselves from identity theft,\" says Michael Bruemmer, vice president of data breach resolution at Experian.\n\"Cybercriminals are amping up their attempts on companies to take advantage of the current climate,\" Bruemmer continues. \"There are many coronavirus-related scams popping up targeting consumers, most often through spear-phishing emails. Don't click on any links sent via email or text, change your account passwords regularly and only shop on credible websites.\"\nHere are two things you can do to help protect your information against data breaches:\n1.  Limit the number of companies you share your personal information with. Be vigilant when sharing your email, name, phone number or password. Your personal information is valuable, so consider only entering it for services you really need or want. This will help limit your exposure should a company fall victim to a data breach.\n2.  Use unique passwords for all your accounts and services. When you use the same password for multiple accounts, it's like having a master key that allows anyone that gets ahold of it to access other parts of your life. Imagine your personal information—including password—for one account was stolen in a data breach. If you've used that same password elsewhere, the fraudsters can easily use it to access your other accounts. If a unique password is exposed, however, it won't give fraudsters the opportunity to attack you in other places.\nIf you've already had information stolen in a data breach, take these important steps:\n1.  Stay alert. If your data has been compromised, you'll want to start paying close attention to areas of your life that could be impacted by the loss. Pay attention to your mail, emails and phone calls for any evidence that your information is being used fraudulently.\n2.  Monitor your credit reports. If someone gets their hands on your Social Security number, you'll want to make sure that they don't open any new accounts in your name. Frequently reviewing your credit reports will help you know if any new accounts appear that you don't recognize. You can get a free copy of your credit report and view your credit score through Experian.\n3.  Freeze or lock your credit file. To be extra safe, in addition to monitoring your credit reports for new accounts, you can freeze or lock your credit file with one or all of the three main credit bureaus. You can learn more about Experian's CreditLock here and more about freezing your credit here. END