Citigroup Data Breach – How it Affects Your Wallet

This week’s news of the theft of private data comes from Citigroup. Seems that even the most reputable organizations can be exposed to the ever-more frequent data breaches we read about. You’ll likely recall the recent news of Sony, PBS, Epsilon and Lockheed Martin. Regrettably, the list is growing by the day. It affects me, and likely, it affects you. Now what?

First, arm yourself with the facts. See the attached articles.

http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2011/06/09/citigroup-data-breach-4-tips-to-protect-yourself/
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/09/us-citi-idUSTRE7580TM20110609
http://www.informationweek.com/news/181502068

Second, remember to protect your most important data (this information, on its own, or in any combination, is a jackpot to an identity thief):

Social Security number
Date of birth
PIN
Credit Card numbers
Bank Account numbers
Birthdate

Third, never reply to an e-mail requesting personal information. Unless you originate the communication, suspect the worst and do not respond. This is referred to as “Phishing” and the results are never good.

Fourth, if you think your credit card has been compromised, call and request a new card. The phone number is on the back of your card, and the associates answering your call love serving as a hero to you and your credit. They’re awesome folks.

And finally, just pay attention. If your intuition is triggered, there’s likely good reason. You’ll never regret being cautious.

You should be receiving a notice from Citi if your actual data was compromised. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to Freeze Your Credit, just in case.

Posted by Identity Theft Speaker John Sileo in Cyber Data Security, Identity Theft Prevention and tagged breach, Citi, Citibank, Citigroup, Credit Cards, Expert, Identity Theft Prevention, John Sileo.