Protecting Your Child's Private Personal Information Online

How to Protect Your Child’s Data After a Breach

As a parent, learning that your child’s personal information has been exposed in a data breach can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—there are clear steps you can take to secure their information and protect your family from further harm. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the situation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Understand What Was Compromised - Determine the type of information exposed. Sensitive details like Social Security numbers or banking information require urgent action, while account details like usernames and passwords are easier to secure.

Change Passwords - Update passwords for any affected accounts. Use strong, unique passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager like LastPass or Dashlane can help you keep track of them.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) - Add an extra layer of security by setting up 2FA on financial, email, and school-related platforms. This ensures that even if passwords are compromised, accounts remain secure.

Freeze Your Child’s Credit - Contact the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—to request a credit freeze. This prevents unauthorized accounts from being opened in their name.

Monitor Accounts and Credit Reports - Set up alerts for financial transactions and regularly review credit reports for any suspicious activity. If your child doesn’t have a credit report, this is a good sign that their identity hasn’t been misused yet.

Report the Breach

File a Report with IC3 - Visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to report the breach. This helps the FBI investigate cybercrimes and track trends.

Contact Local Law Enforcement - Filing a police report can be helpful for documentation, especially if fraudulent activity occurs.

Protect Your Child’s Digital Identity

Set Up Parental Controls - Use tools to monitor your child’s online activities, block insecure platforms, and limit access to risky content.

Educate Your Child About Online Safety - Teach them to recognize phishing scams, avoid oversharing personal information, and create strong passwords.

Reduce Spam and Junk Mail - Services can help filter out phishing attempts and minimize exposure to risky content.

Secure Their Devices - Install antivirus software, enable firewalls, and keep devices updated to protect against malware and other threats.

Be Proactive

Contain Risks - If you suspect ongoing hacking, reset passwords, remove suspicious files, and isolate affected devices.

Use a VPN - A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your family’s internet activity, ensuring safer browsing.

Remove Data from Brokers - Services like DeleteMe can help remove your family’s information from data broker websites.

Stay Informed - Follow updates from breached companies and resources like the National Cybersecurity Center for tips on preventing future breaches.

By acting quickly and following these steps, you can protect your child’s digital identity and regain peace of mind. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and taking these measures will help keep your family safe in an increasingly digital world.