Highlights:
- How to secure your data, without remembering passwords
- Tools to catch fraud early
- Your best defense against identity theft
Here’s how to protect yourself from the latest data megaleak:
I had my data compromised last year, so this isn’t my first rodeo.
I was once told, “Always assume your information has been stolen and act accordingly” so you cover all your bases.
Resetting your passwords is a good start, but that alone isn’t enough anymore!
Here are steps you can take to protect your data, identify, and credit.
1: Switch to passkeys
Upgrade your security by swapping your password for a passkey.
These are more secure, are nearly impossible to steal, and you don’t have to remember them!
They work with face ID or a fingerprint so you’re the only one who can access your information.
They aren’t widely used yet, but many major sites (including those involved in this security breach) already offer passkeys - like Apple, Facebook and Google.
2: Use a password generator
For sites where you can’t use a passkey, use a password generator to create a secure password.
This free password generator from LastPass is my favourite since it’s super customizable.
You can choose the length, whether to include things like symbols or capital letters, and even lil’ extras like whether it should be easy to say or read.
LastPass is also great for managing passwords so you don’t have to remember them all (which is especially tricky when they are all different!)
The free version is comprehensive - and bonus, it makes it easy to change passwords in the future since you’ll have a list of sites that need to be changed.
3: Use 2-factor authentication
I get that it’s kind of a pain to use, but it’s way less painful than getting hacked.
With 2FA, even if someone has your password, they’ll need a second form of ID - like a code from your phone - to get in.
You probably have it set up to send as a text message. This is great, but there’s an even better option…
Use an authenticator app
Google Authenticator is a popular authentication app that works without sending a text.
It’s not available for all websites, but it’s becoming increasingly popular.
It’s better than using text messages because it’s more secure, works offline (you don’t need cell signal or wifi), and it’s faster than waiting for a text message.
A big plus is that it works even while travelling. I got stuck when my code was sent by text, but I couldn’t receive it since my number was different from using a sim card.
It takes about 5 minutes to set up, and this video walks through how.
4: Freeze your credit
One of the best ways to protect yourself against identity theft is to freeze your credit.
When it’s frozen, nobody can use credit under your name; like opening a credit card or taking out a loan.
This option isn’t available everywhere - but if you’re eligible, it’s a free way to protect yourself.
It doesn’t affect your credit score, so there’s no downside.
However, if you need to access your credit (like opening a new credit card or applying for a mortgage), you will need to temporarily unfreeze it so credit bureaus can access your information.
How to freeze your credit
You need to contact each credit bureau individually.
Also, these companies are known for giving the run-around, so be prepared.
Freezing your credit is free, so if they ask for payment or a credit card number, you’re not in the right place. (I found this out the hard way)!
In the U.S.
• Equifax
• Experian
In Canada
5: Sign up for credit monitoring
Unlike a credit freeze, credit monitoring is a paid service.
Especially if you know your data has been compromised, it can give you extra peace of mind.
This alerts you to any changes in your credit report, like a new account being opened, a hard credit check, or a missed payment.
Even though my credit is locked, it was helpful knowing I’ve had several attempts to access my credit.
You’ll get a notification right away so you can act fast and dispute any suspicious activity.
In the U.S.
• Credit Karma - Free*
• Equifax
In Canada
• Credit Karma - Free*
• Borrowwell - Free*
* I haven’t personally tested these free credit monitoring services, your experience may vary.
However, I found Borrowwell helpful for checking and improving my credit score.
Passiv has your back!
Now is the perfect time to set up 2-factor authentication in your Passiv account.
Just log in, choose Settings from the left menu bar, and enable authentication under “Credential Details”.
You can choose to receive your code through an authentication app or by text.
Security is a top priority, which is why we offer bank-level protection.
Passiv helps you manage your investments automatically - so you stay on track with your goals without the stress of spreadsheets or constant logins.
Plus, with two-factor authentication built in, your account is protected every step of the way.
