How the Home Depot data breach happen?
Investigations by federal agents as well as Home Depot proves that the violation stems from a supplier stolen login information. With this information, the thieves were able to enter the Home Depot systems and install malware that stole customer data. This malware is designed to evade antivirus software, making it impossible for the security of the store to pick up on it. The thieves specifically target self-checkout of the store systems. The information available to date includes stolen payment card numbers of customers and expiration dates, customer names, and now e-mail addresses.
How can I protect myself?
With so many data breaches happening on what seems almost every week, it is easy to become immune to dangers. However, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that identity theft is a serious problem and you need to take precautions to protect yourself. How can you do when your information is vulnerable on so many points? Here are some tips to help you:
1. Be on the lookout for suspicious emails. Vol email addresses means that customers are vulnerable to phishing attacks. Criminals use these stolen addresses to take advantage of customer fears and confusion in the coming weeks. You can receive e-mails that look like they are from Home Depot, but beware. It is especially important not to click on links or open attachments from any email addresses that do not come from someone you know personally. If you receive an email claiming to be from Home Depot, regarded with suspicion. Home Depot said it will be in contact with those whose email addresses were exposed, but you can find all the information you need to know by visiting their website directly. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
2. Closely monitor your bank statements. It is still important, as always, carefully examine each of your bank statements and credit card. Because the payment data was one of the main targets of this breach, customers are always at risk. Look for anything out of place, and do not hesitate to call your bank or credit card company immediately if something does not look right to you. The thieves sold the stolen data on the sites of the black market, and one of the first things anyone who buys your information will do is test to see if your card still works. The sooner you can catch fraud in action, the more it will put an end to this and get your life back on track.
3. Consider signing for identity theft protection. Home Depot offers all customers affected by the data breach, including the 53 million customers whose e-mails were exposed, one year of free identity protection service against the flight AllClear ID. However, this may not the best service available to you, because it does not offer monitoring the black market or access to your reports and credit scores. More comprehensive services such as Trusted Identity Guard ID and offer all this and more for the price of less than $ 20 / month. You can learn more about these services and others like them on our review page of protection against identity theft.
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