To ensure you receive the best service possible,
please enter your zip code below:
Going about your daily routine, you get an email that reads “Your information may have been compromised in a data breach.” Now what?
With more than 10,000 security breaches reported since 2005, there are more than just email addresses and passwords at stake. Stolen info includes Social Security numbers, medical records, financial information and even fingerprints—something that you can’t change.
So let’s revisit that question: What do you do next after a security breach? Gopal Padinjaruveetil, chief information security officer for AAA, outlines the steps:
If it’s a small security breach, you may get an email or text telling you your information has been affected. If it’s a major security breach, you may hear about it on the news.
“Once [companies] know there’s been a breach and it’s been confirmed, they’re supposed to let the consumers know, by law, that the data has been breached,” he says.
If you have identity theft protection, you can get immediate help confirming your data is in the breach—and determining how to move forward.
Once you’ve confirmed your data has been compromised, you need to know exactly what was stolen—because some data requires more action than others. Here’s how to tell: Think of the actions you need to take as a decision map. For example, information with a low level of sensitivity requires no further action because it’s already public information. But information with a high level of sensitivity requires immediate action because its theft can lead to serious consequences.
Even if your passwords weren’t affected in the security breach, it’s worthwhile to update them anyway—especially if you had information with a medium to high level of sensitivity exposed. Use this opportunity to make your password the strongest possible and make sure it’s unrelated to the affected password.
“If I know your spouse’s or your dog’s name, I have a good chance of guessing your password,” Padinjaruveetil says. So instead of including personal information in your password, consider using a mix of letters, numbers and symbols with an uncommon phrase. And for added security, Padinjaruveetil recommends opting for multifactor authentication (providing two or more pieces of evidence that it’s really you) if any of your accounts offer it.
Once you’ve changed your password, don’t use it for everything. If you do, you may have to change all of your passwords again with the next security breach.
If your bank account or credit card information was compromised in a security breach, Padinjaruveetil says, the next step is to cancel the affected cards and get new ones.
Monitor your statements to see whether suspicious charges are being made to your account. If they are, work with your bank or company to dispute them. If you have identity theft protection like ProtectMyID®, the experts there can help with the fraud resolution process and tell you exactly which steps need to be taken.
5. Sign up for credit monitoring and alertsYou may have put off signing up for a credit monitoring service, but if you’ve confirmed your data is part of a security breach, the time to sign up is now. “It’s always a good idea, so if something goes wrong, you know,” he says. ProtectMyID offers more than just alerts. Available in three levels of coverage, it not only provides simple protection including credit monitoring, credit reports and fraud resolution; it can also monitor social media, the dark web, your Social Security number—even your children’s information. So if a security breach happens again or your digital identity is affected, you’ll have protection and peace of mind. |
Often, affected companies offer to assist victims of the security breach—whether that’s providing the steps to take based on what information was exposed or suggesting outside resources like IdentityTheft.gov for added recovery steps.
Sometimes they may actually offer services like credit monitoring and identity theft protection. But make sure you read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions, Padinjaruveetil says.
Padinjaruveetil recommends these steps.
For a stolen Social Security number:
For a stolen passport number, contact the Department of State.
This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
We may change APRs, fees, and other Account terms in the future based on your experience with ACG Card Services and its affiliates as provided under the Cardmember Agreement and applicable law.
1Cash back can be redeemed in the form of a statement credit or ACH deposit ($25 cash back minimum redemption). Cash back is not earned on business related transactions or activities. You may not redeem cash back, and you will immediately lose all of your cash back, if your account is closed to future transactions (including, but not limited to, due to Program misuse, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or death). Cash back will expire at 11:00 p.m. Central Time on the last day of the calendar quarter that is five (5) years from the date on which they are earned. Account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. Upon approval, please refer to your Cardmember Agreement for additional information. Cash back is earned on eligible net purchases. Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns. Not all transactions are eligible to earn cash back, such as Advances, Balance Transfers, and Convenience Checks and other advance transactions as defined in the Cardmember Agreement, as well as interest charges and fees do not qualify. U.S. Bank cannot control how merchants classify their business or transactions and reserves the right to determine which Purchases will qualify in which category. Earn 2% per dollar for qualifying net purchases made with the card through any participating AAA Club when AAA is the merchant of record, on qualifying net insurance purchases (MCC = 6300) and at eligible retail travel merchants. AAA Clubs located in Northern California, Nevada and Utah are not participating AAA Clubs and purchases made at those clubs will not qualify for 2%. Earn 4% per dollar for qualifying net purchases on AAA purchases, travel and insurance for your first 6 months up to $6,000. After that, earn cash back in the standard 2% category. Foreign Transaction Fee: None.
2 Benefits are subject to terms, conditions, and limitations on the amount of coverage. Travel and Emergency Assistance Services help in coordinating medical, legal and travel services while away from home. Rental Collision Damage Waiver coverage and peace of mind for damage due to collision or theft of most rental cars. Certain terms and conditions apply. Please refer to your Visa Guide to Benefits for details
The Contactless Symbol and Contactless Indicator are trademarks owned by and used with the permission of EMVCo, LLC.
This card is issued by U.S. Bank NA dba ACG Card Services, pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is valid as of 11/26/2024. Personal accounts only. Rates are variable and may change without prior notice. $100 minimum balance to open and avoid fees. Fees may reduce earnings. $250,000 maximum opening deposit when account is opened online. After online opening deposit is verified, you may deposit additional funds to your account. $500,000 maximum balance. Auto Club Trust, FSB.
**Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 11/26/2024. Rates are variable and may change without prior notice. Interest rates are fixed until initial maturity after the account is opened. A $1,500 minimum deposit to open the account and obtain the APY is required. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. Personal accounts only.
†Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Rates and terms effective as of 10/11/2024. APR is accurate as of 10/11/2024. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without prior notice. Additional terms and restrictions may apply. Other loan rates available. Subject to borrower qualification. Advertised rate includes a 0.25% discount when you set up automatic payments from any checking or savings account. Rate is variable. Offer valid on personal vehicle loans only. Criteria to receive the stated APR: Loan term 48 months or less new or used, model year 2018 – 2024 with a credit score of 720 or higher based on the Vantage scoring model. Buyer is responsible for all state or local fees. Auto Club Trust, FSB uses a managed credit program and final APR is dependent on your credit score. An auto loan with an APR of 5.49% for a $20,000 loan at a term of 48 months, your estimated monthly payment would be $465. An auto loan with an APR of 5.74% for a $20,000 loan at a term of 48 months, your estimated payment would be $467. Private party sales will not be financed.
††Terms and Conditions apply. Offer valid for loans on vehicles purchased through the AAA Auto Buying Program from a TrueCar, Inc. (TrueCar) Certified Dealer; and approved and funded by Auto Club Trust, FSB. Applicant must submit the Member Price Summary provided by TrueCar during the application process. Must be an active AAA member to receive the additional TrueCar discounted rate. Loans offered by Auto Club Trust, FSB. Equal Opportunity Lender.
Member Savings currently not available in all states. In these states a "Target Price" is presented, which reflects a market-based example of what you can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle configured with your desired options. Your configured vehicle may not be available or in-stock at the Certified Dealer.
TrueCar operates this information website ("Service") featuring pricing, performance, technical, and safety data available for new and used vehicles. The Service is not available in all locations.
Products are offered by Auto Club Trust, FSB. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender.
Mortgages originated by Auto Club Trust, FSB. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 799629
Member FDIC
