What can I expect if my username has been compromised? (2024)

FAQs

What happens when your account is compromised? ›

An account is compromised when a threat actor gains access to a user's credentials or finds another way to act on their behalf. Credential theft leaves an account vulnerable to numerous additional attacks such as: Ransomware.

Call or email the fraud department of the companies, banks or credit unions where accounts have been compromised. Explain that someone stole your identity and ask them to close or freeze the compromised account.

If your password is subject to a breach, then you should update your login credentials. Your new password should be strong and unique, to prevent hackers from randomly guessing the correct password. Watch your accounts. Check your financial accounts and pull your credit report to look for suspicious activity.

If a hacker manages to access your financial details via a compromised account, like your debit and credit card numbers, the effects can be devastating. The cybercriminals can use your details to make purchases, deplete account funds and even open up brand-new accounts to give themselves a fresh line of credit.

It's important to immediately change your online login information, passwords, and security question answers after a data breach. And don't just stop at the affected account. Otherwise, cybercriminals could access other accounts and, subsequently, information about your finances and personal life.

Being affected by a data breach can be alarming, and in the worst-case scenario, it can lead to identity theft and financial complications. But if you know what to expect, and you take a few simple steps to protect yourself and stay vigilant, you can overcome the risks and hassles of a data breach.

Compromised passwords and username combinations are unsafe because they've been published online. We recommend that you change any compromised passwords as soon as you can.

What are signs your password has been compromised? ›

While none of us can control how other companies protect our data, we can do plenty to protect ourselves. Our first recommended action after a breach is for the exposed users to immediately change their password for that account – and for any other accounts that are protected by the same (or a similar) password.

When an email account is compromised, attackers can gain access to institutional data, confidential information, and personally identifiable information. Phishing attacks are the primary way email accounts are compromised, and businesses with no protection are at high risk.

1. Change your passwords immediately. Passwords are often your first — and only — line of defense against hackers.

In your Apple or Google email settings, you're able to check the physical locations where your account has been logged in. If you check the locations and see someone logging in from another state or country, that likely means you've been hacked.

If your bank notices the signs of identity theft, it may close your account to prevent further fraudulent activity. Your card is suddenly declined. Hackers can break into your account and have a new card issued, which would deactivate your card. Your bank can also cancel your card if account fraud is suspected.

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Place a fraud alert with one of the three national credit reporting bureaus. This will let any company that checks your credit know your information was stolen, and they should contact you by phone before authorizing new credit.

Hacking has become an increasing threat in our digital world. As more of our lives move online, from shopping and banking to social media, our personal information is vulnerable to cyber attacks. Getting hacked can have serious consequences like identity theft, compromised finances, and stolen personal data.