How to Respond When Your Account Has Been Compromised

When the stakes are high and fear or doubt strikes, the urge to run in circles and scream can be overwhelming. This reflex is natural, but it's important to stay calm and methodically assess the situation. Here, we'll guide you through the steps to take if your account has been compromised.

Immediate Actions to Take

Once you've had your moment of panic, start focusing on the specifics: how serious the compromise is and what actions you can undertake. Here are the essential steps:

Bank Account Compromise

Credit unions and banks often offer an emergency hotline; if yours does not, contact your financial institution immediately. Request them to freeze all transactions on your affected account. You will need to prove your identity and set a new password or create a new account after the verification process.

Credit Report Compromise

If there's a risk of unauthorized credit activities, contact the relevant credit reporting agencies. You may need to do this differently depending on your location, as credit reporting agencies can vary by country. Request an immediate freeze on your credit report. If you don't plan to apply for new credit in the near future, a credit freeze is a good preventative measure as it stops identity fraudsters from opening new accounts in your name.

News Website and Email Account Compromise

For websites that don't require payment information but still send you frequent emails, simply changing your password and being more vigilant about email links is sufficient precautions. However, for email accounts, the situation is more critical. Almost all online accounts offer password reset options via email. Attempt to regain control as soon as possible, or at the very least, block any vital accounts from unauthorized changes. If you use the same password on multiple sites, now is the time to learn about password managers and change all your passwords.

What If There Is Nothing You Can Do?

In some cases, despite your best efforts, there is no immediate solution. If a large website has been compromised, you must depend on the owners to resolve the issue. While you can't control the situation, you can still take preventive actions.

Risk Management for Your Online Accounts

Each online account presents a certain level of risk, and you should assess this risk in a structured manner. Use the following guidelines to minimize the damage:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is one of the most effective ways to secure your accounts. By requiring a second form of authentication (like a text message code, security app, or biometric verification), you increase the security significantly. If you don't already use MFA, now is the time to enable it on all your accounts.

Passkeys

Passkeys offer an even more secure alternative to traditional passwords. They use biometric or device-based methods for authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Although passkeys are still in the early stages of adoption, they show great potential for the future, potentially replacing passwords altogether.

Conclusion

When your account has been compromised, the situation can be daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can regain control. Stay vigilant, secure your accounts, and always consider the risks associated with your online activities.