In today’s digital world, data breaches are a very common & unfortunate reality. Cybercriminals target organizations both big and small, leading to unauthorized access of personal data for their own interest. If you have been informed that your data has been compromised, it is very much natural to feel anxious and uncertain about what to do next. However, taking quick and strategic action can minimize the risks and protect you from further data breach.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Verify the Breach
Before taking any action, ensure that the notification you received via mail or any other medium is legitimate. Scammers sometimes use fake breach alerts to steal even more information. Verify the notice by checking the organization’s official website or email. Also, try contacting their support team, or referring to any government cybersecurity announcements.
Step 2: Identify Which Data Has Been Compromised
Understanding what type of data has been breached will help you determine which step should be taken next. Organizations usually specify what information has been accessed, such as:
- Personal identifications (passport, visa, driver’s license)
- Contact details (email, phone number, address)
- Personal Financial information (bank details, credit card numbers)
- Login credentials (usernames, passwords)
- Academic records (school ID, qualifications, assessments)
If you are a student at Albright Institute and have received a breach notification, there is a chance the affected data may include your visa documents, study-related documents, or contact information. However, financial details or medical records are usually not impacted.
Step 3: Change Your Passwords
One of the first protective measures you should take is updating your passwords as soon as possible. If your login credentials were compromised:
- Change passwords immediately for affected accounts and any other linked accounts.
- Use a strong, unique password. The password should include a mix of letters, numbers and special characters.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible for extra layers of security.
Step 4: Monitor Your Personal Financial Accounts and Credit Reports
Even if financial information was not stolen, cybercriminals can attempt identity fraud using other personal data. To prevent any sort of unauthorized transactions:
- Inform your bank and financial institutions about the breach so that they can verify.
- Request a copy of your credit report from Equifax, Experian, or illion to check for any kind of suspicious activity in your financial accounts.
- Set up fraud alerts with your bank and credit agencies so that you can receive notifications about unusual transactions.
Step 5: Recognizing Fake Calls & Emails
Even Fake calls and Emails can also lead to security breaches.
- Unexpected Calls or Emails – If someone contacts you claiming to be from immigration, a bank, or a government agency, be cautious.
- Urgency & Threats – Scammers often create panic (e.g., “Your passport is being used illegally” or “Your visa will be canceled”).
- Asking for More Details – If they request additional personal info (like date of birth, bank details, or OTPs), it’s likely a scam.
Step 6: Handle Fake Calls & Emails
You can always handle fake calls & emails just by following a few steps:
- Do Not Confirm Any Information – Even if they mention your name or passport number, don’t confirm or provide more details.
- Verify the Source –Hang up and call the official number of the bank/government agency to check if the call was real.
- For emails, check the sender’s address carefully (scammers use lookalike domains).
Step 7: Be Cautious of Phishing Websites
After a data breach, scammers may attempt to exploit affected individuals furthermore by sending phishing emails or messages. These emails may:
- Pretend to be from a trusted institution asking for additional personal information of yourself.
- Contain links to fake websites which are specifically designed to steal your login details.
- Encourage you to download malicious files.
- Never Click on Links or Attachments – They may contain phishing scams to steal login credentials.
Step 8: Monitor Your Digital Footprint
Monitor your online accounts for any sort of unauthorized access or changes. Check:
- Social media accounts for any suspicious messages or login attempts.
- Email inboxes for password reset requests which you did not initiate.
- Any other platforms where you stored your personal information..
Step 9: Stay Updated and Follow Official Updates
Albright Institute and any other affected organizations will provide all the updates regarding the breach. Keep track of:
- Official emails, website announcements and text messages from your institution.
- Government cybersecurity resources, such as IDCare.org and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
- Contacting support services for guidance on protecting your data.
Step 10: Seek Support If You Feel Overwhelmed
Data breaches can be stressful and it’s very important to take care of your well-being. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to support services without any hesitations. For your well-being, Albright Institute has partnered with Assure Programs to offer free mental health support for students. You can contact them anytime at 1800 808 374.
Step 11: Know Your Rights and Report Any Identity Fraud
If you think that you are a victim of identity fraud, you can directly report it to:
- Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) – to report cyber incidents.
- Your local police department – if you suspect identity theft.
- Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) – if you are not satisfied with an organization’s response to the breach.
Contact OVIC:
- Website: https://ovic.vic.gov.au/
- Phone: 1300 006 842
- Email: enquiries@ovic.vic.gov.au
Address: PO Box 24274, Melbourne VIC 3001
The Bottom Line
Cyberattacks are very unfortunate, but by taking quick and effective actions, you can protect yourself from further harm. Albright Institute is always committed to supporting students affected by data breaches and providing resources to ensure the safety of digital data. Stay alert, follow security best practices and reach out for assistance whenever necessary. For further details, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
