Introduction

In today’s digital age, data breaches have become an unfortunate reality for many businesses and consumers. One of the most significant breaches in recent times is the MOVEit data breach. This article will delve into the details of the MOVEit breach, its impact, and how you can protect your personal information. If you have any mortgage service needs, don’t hesitate to contact O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074.

MOVEit Data Breach Explained

MOVEit is a file transfer program owned by Progress Software, widely used by various organizations to move sensitive personal data. In May 2023, a hacker group known as CL0P gained access to MOVEit, affecting tens of millions of people. The breach highlights a significant vulnerability where bad actors can obtain data from multiple companies in a single hack.

CL0P infiltrated MOVEit Transfer web apps with malware, stealing sensitive information from databases. The group has sent ransom notes to upper-level executives, threatening to publish private data if the ransom is not paid.

Who Is Impacted by the MOVEit Data Breach?

The full extent of the MOVEit data breach is still unfolding. Those affected include state and federal agencies, pension funds, drivers in Louisiana and Oregon, financial services firms, nonprofit organizations, and more. The breach’s long-term fallout remains to be seen, but it is clear that many consumers’ information has been compromised.

How Can You Boost Your Defenses?

If you receive notification that your personal information has been compromised, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

Freeze Your Credit

You have the right to freeze your credit, which limits companies from accessing your credit report. This can help prevent identity thieves from opening accounts in your name. If you need to apply for credit, you’ll have to “thaw” your credit file first.

Change Important Passwords and Login Information

Use a free password manager to create strong, unique passwords that are hard to crack. Additionally, enable multifactor authentication for added security.

Initiate a Fraud Alert

Request a fraud alert with the national credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). This makes it difficult for fraudsters to open a credit account in your name. Fraud alerts last one year but can be extended to seven years.

Monitor Your Accounts and Credit

Regularly check your bank accounts and credit cards for any unfamiliar activity. If you receive bills in your name that aren’t yours, contact the lender immediately to dispute them. You can check your credit report for free with Experian.

Protect Your Identity

Consider using identity theft monitoring services like Experian IdentityWorksSM Premium, which includes dark web surveillance and credit monitoring. You’ll be notified of any changes to your credit reports, helping you detect potential identity fraud early.

The Bottom Line

Safeguarding your credit is always important, but it’s even more critical if your information has been involved in a data breach. The MOVEit data breach is still playing out, so stay vigilant and pay attention to any notifications regarding your data. Free credit monitoring with Experian can help you detect potential identity fraud.

If you have any mortgage service needs, O1ne Mortgage is here to help. Contact us at 213-732-3074 for expert assistance and personalized service. We are committed to providing you with the best mortgage solutions to meet your needs.