# Credit Bureaus Keep Getting Hacked: Protect Yourself with 4 Steps
The recent breach at TransUnion, one of the major credit bureaus in the U.S., is a stark reminder to stay vigilant in protecting your personal data. The hack, which occurred at the end of August, resulted in the theft of sensitive information from over 4.4 million individuals, including social security numbers, birthdates, names, billing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
The culprit behind this breach? Salesforce, a third-party vendor that has also been linked to other high-profile data leaks at Google, Quantas, Adidas, and several other well-known companies. This is not the first time a credit bureau has been breached, with the massive 2017 Equifax leak being just one incident.
To protect yourself from similar attacks in the future, it's essential to take proactive steps to secure your personal data. Here are four crucial measures you can take:
## Step 1: Set Up a Credit Freeze
One of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft is to place a credit freeze on your profile with each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). This will keep scammers from opening new credit cards, loans, and other lines of credit in your name. To set up a credit freeze, you'll need to visit the websites of these bureaus or call their customer service numbers. You may also want to consider freezing your report with Innovis, a smaller fourth credit bureau.
## Step 2: Monitor Your Credit Report
Once you've set up a credit freeze, it's essential to regularly monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity. You can check your report through the official website (AnnualCreditReport.com) or request a paper copy by phone or mail once per year. Many banking apps also offer free access to your credit report. If you notice any inaccuracies or signs of identity theft, you can dispute them and report them to the relevant authorities.
## Step 3: Request an IRS Identity Protection PIN
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now offers a program called Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), which requires taxpayers to include a six-digit code on their tax returns to prevent fraudulent filing. If you're not required to file a return, you can still enroll in the program and obtain a new IP PIN annually. You can check your status and access your IP PIN through an online account or by using an alternative method (mail-in form or in-person appointment).
## Step 4: Freeze Your Bank Credit Report
Similar to credit bureaus, banks also keep a file about your banking activity. If you show a history of overdrafted accounts and unpaid fees, banks can decline your business – which is why it's essential to prevent fraudsters from running your good name into the ground. You can freeze access to your bank credit report with ChexSystems, allowing only you and institutions you already bank with to access your report. To temporarily lift the freeze, you'll need to log in online using the PIN sent when the freeze was initially placed.
By taking these four steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft and data breaches. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and protect yourself from the latest cyber threats.
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### Author Bio:
Alaina Yee is a Senior Editor at PCWorld, covering topics ranging from security to PC building and gaming. With 14 years of experience in technology journalism, Alaina has written for numerous publications, including PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine. She's currently focused on helping people understand how to protect themselves online and is passionate about empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to stay safe in the digital world.