Protect your personal information

Recent credit breaches, ransomware attacks require online vigilance

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Oct. 24, 2024 – Credit breaches and information technology missteps are in the news this year, spotlighting the importance of how to keep your personal data away from prying eyes online.

The first news came in April, when a major breach was reported at data broker National Public Data. Some 3 billion accounts were compromised, including the theft of Social Security numbers, dates of birth and mailing addresses. The company earlier this month was forced to file for bankruptcy.

In July, a major software update from a cybersecurity company called CrowdStrike caused Microsoft Windows operating systems to crash, disrupting businesses around the world – including hospitals and airlines.

In Ohio, the city of Columbus was victimized by a ransomware attack this summer, with hackers stealing data and the city having to disconnect essential systems. The city offered free credit monitoring for employees and city residents at Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus.

If you’re a victim of a credit breach, or concerned that you might be, Experian gives the following advice on how to help safeguard your information:

• Place a fraud alert on your credit file as soon as possible at Experian.com/fraud or by calling 1-888-397-3742.
• Place a freeze on your credit file at all three credit bureaus — Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. That sounds like it might limit your ability to use your credit card or lines of credit, but that’s not the case. A credit freeze prevents access to your credit reports for the purpose of approving new loans. You can “unfreeze” the files as necessary should you apply for a new loan.
• Review your credit report from all three bureaus and report any activity you don’t recognize. Request a copy of your latest credit reports by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Review resources available at the Social Security Administration online by visiting SSA.Gov/Fraud.
• Monitor your credit cards and bank accounts and notify your financial institution of any suspicious transactions.
• Be on the lookout for phishing texts and phone calls attempting to get sensitive information from you. Avoid clicking links from unknown senders and avoid giving our personal info to someone you do not know.

OPERS published a blog this summer offering several more tips on how to stay secure online. We’d also like to note that we have been requiring increased methods of identity verification when our members call us for assistance. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in completing the identification process so we can keep your information secure.