>Data Breach: Protect yourself

As you're likely aware by now, your personal information is on dozens of databases, files, spreadsheets and servers – in various government departments, schools, hospitals, banks, retailers and more. Like it or not, your information is out there.

Read our Latest News updates and you'll see stories of health records being lost, tax packages being sent to the wrong addresses, utility accounts being compromised and more.

And these are just the things that are reported! Much more data is lost than the Canadian public will ever know. While companies and organizations must disclose data breaches to the Privacy Commissioner, they are only obligated to inform affected individuals "if it is reasonable in the circumstances to believe that the breach creates a real risk of significant harm to the individual" (as per new federal legislation).

It is up to the organization to determine the level of risk and if it is high enough to warrant widespread notification; then, notification must be given “as soon as feasible.” While this offers some security to Canadians, this legislation is not as strong as it is in other jurisdictions.

Institutional data breaches are completely out of your control. However, you can take proactive steps to both lessen the amount of personal data available online, and catch any abuse or misuse of your details.

Start by taking control of the data you release now and in the future:

  • Do not give your SIN when applying for a job or an apartment
  • Do not write your SIN on your resume or personal cheques
  • Remove your name from junk mail lists
  • If you receive a credit card application in the mail, call the company directly and ask to be removed from their mailing list
  • Do not list information, such as your birthday or home address, on your Facebook or other social networking profile
  • Do not give extra information – birthday, SIN, etc. – when shopping online
  • Retailers will often ask for your address and phone number to put you on their mailing list. Don’t be afraid to politely say “No thanks.”
  • Consider getting a post office box instead of home delivery

Next, take advantage of proactive identity monitoring. This is powerful (and relatively new) technology that will actually scan the web and various online forums, discussions and marketplaces for the possible misuse of your personal information. This may be one of your best opportunities to catch identity theft in action.

It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your credit report. An unusual change in your credit report may indicate your identity has been compromised. You can order your credit report from Equifax, Canada's leading credit bureau, today.

Protection Power is so impressed with identity monitoring that we have partnered with SpotMyID to include proactive identity monitoring in our membership package.

Learn to recognize signs that your identity may have been compromised. Here are some clues.

Carry identity theft insurance to protect you from unforeseen events. Protection Power's membership package includes $25,000 in identity theft protection coverage.

It may not be your fault your tax information leaked or a hacker broke into your bank's database – but you are the one who will suffer the consequences. Don't be a victim!

Protection Power will help you take proactive steps to protect your identity and your finances. Sign up now.

 

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