While many people buy their significant other a box of decadent chocolates, a dozen red roses or an oversize teddy bear for Valentine’s Day, there are a few people who are going to go home with a broken heart as their personal information is stolen right from under them. It’s a harsh reality, but both individuals and businesses are constantly targeted by fraudsters and hackers who want to steal any bit of data that will make them money.

You may have taken all the precautions to protect yourself and your business – but what do you do if it does happen? Just as when a lover breaks your heart, you have to move on, get back on your feet and work your way through this unfortunate circumstance.

Once your data is stolen, it’s gone. Credit cards can be canceled, but other information, such as your name, address, social security number and more, can be more difficult to control.

In 2014, social media accounts, such as Twitter, became more valuable to hackers than credit cards. These types of accounts are hot commodities on black markets.

Does that mean you should be worried with all the information you have stored online? Absolutely not!

If you do fall victim to a data breach you can still protect yourself!

Contact your credit card companies. Let them know you suspect your credit card info has been compromised. They will work with you to ensure you don’t face financial losses.

Keep a close eye on all your accounts. Watch for suspicious activity and report it when you see it.

Change your passwords. This is particularly critical if you used a single password for multiple services.

Use a credit-monitoring service. They aren’t designed to prevent data from being stolen, but in the event of a breach, you’ll be notified immediately so you can take action.

Give us a call at 774-222-5500 and we’ll put together a plan to keep your company’s data secure.