GREENSBORO, N.C. — Has your personal data been exposed? Mine has. A recent search of my work email address on this Aura site shows my work email has three breaches. I'll be changing my passwords.
This kind of search is something the Better Business Bureau recommends for everyone.
“I used the Experian search and I entered the last four digits of my social security number and my mobile phone number and it brought back a list of places that had my personal information,” said Lechelle Yates of the BBB.
Yates said if your information is out on the dark web you really want to take steps to protect yourself.
“There are a lot of costs and time that goes into trying to correct the mess if your identity is stolen. And beyond money, ID theft victims tell us it gives them anxiety,” said Yates.
The steps to protect yourself are things you probably already know, but may not be doing:
Changing your passwords periodically (and you know not to use the same password for everything, right?)
Creating strong passwords that are harder to hack (BTW, 123456! is not a strong password)
Use two-factor authentication for everything from Facebook to mobile banking.
“Two-factor authentication is one of the best ways to protect any online account. It sets up a security measure where you have to enter two different forms of identification to get into your account. I know we all hate it but it's the best way to protect yourself online,” said Yates.
An old-school easy way to protect yourself is to shred documents that have your personal information on them. The BBB has a free shred Saturday at the Winston-Salem fairgrounds. Go in at Gate 9. It’s from 8 am to 11 am.
Yes, thieves still dumpster dive, so don't throw away bank statements, or insurance documents. Shred them instead.