Keeping your personal information safe online is crucial, and being aware of the signs of a compromised account can help you take the necessary steps to secure your data. In this guide you’ll learn:

• Signs Your Personal Data Has Been Leaked
• Your Password Has Been Leaked
• Your Email Has Been Leaked
• Your Phone Number Has Been Leaked
• Tax File Number Has Been Leaked
• Your Credit Card Details Have Been Leaked
• Your Bank Account Was Hacked
• Your Home Address Has Been Leaked

Signs Your Personal Data Has Been Leaked

• Getting an email to confirm your login from an unknown device
• Receiving an unexpected account verification code
• Password reset requests received out of the blue

These things may happen if your account has been compromised due to a data breach or leak, or if someone you’ve shared your account information with attempts to access it. Investing in an reputable internet security solution like Trend Micro can help protect your personal data.

Your Password Has Been Leaked

If your password is compromised, change your password on all websites that currently use it:

• Make sure you do not use the same password twice on any online accounts.
• Do not re-use any password that has been compromised
• Use the Trend Micro Password Generator to help you create strong, unique and secure passwords.
• Turn ON Two-factor Authentication to any website that offers it. It adds an extra layer of protection that makes it nearly impossible to defeat.

Your Email Has Been Leaked

If your email address is compromised:

• Change your passwords. Make sure to create a strong, unique password.
• Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
• Watch out for phishing. Any unsolicited emails requesting personal or financial information should be treated with caution. Learn how to spot them.

Your Phone Number Has Been Leaked

If your phone number is compromised:

• Report the leak to the relevant authorities, such as your phone service provider.
• Notify your friends, family, and coworkers about the incident so they won’t fall for any scam attempts.
• If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, report it to the authorities.

Your TFN or IRD Has Been Leaked

If your TFN or IRD is compromised:

• Report the identity theft to the responsible government agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Inland Revenue Department (NZ)
• File a police report with your local jurisdiction. While your city or county may not be able to investigate this crime, having a police officer can help you to recover from losses resulting from identity theft.
• Request a credit freeze with each of the three major consumer credit bureaus. A credit freeze will not affect your credit score, but it will prevent lenders accessing your credit report to open new accounts, rent apartments, apply for loans, etc.
• Request an extended fraud alert from the consumer credit bureaus (if you have filed a police report), which lasts for seven years.
• Contact the fraud department of any company where you suspect the fraudulent use of your TFN or IRD. Let them know that you have been the victim of identity theft and follow that company’s guidance on changing all your login and password information.
• Request a free credit report. Look for and dispute any information you believe to be fraudulent.

Your Credit Card Details Have Been Leaked

If your credit card number is compromised, it may affect your credit score. Contact your card issuer and follow their instructions to have the card canceled.

Your Bank Account Was Hacked

If your bank account information is compromised, contact your bank, and follow their instructions to secure your account and funds.

Your Home Address Has Been Leaked

If your personal home address is compromised:

• Find out how your address got online and how many people can see it.
• Request the website or social media platform to remove the information.
• Keep an eye out and see if your address appears anywhere else online.
• Consider installing CCTV cameras and replace your locks to increase your home security.
• If you’re concerned for your safety, tell the authorities what happened.

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