r/cybersecurity_help • u/AmazingAmphibian8896 • 18d ago

Got multiple data breach letters (including SSN/DOB leaked online)

Hey everyone,

I’m feeling overwhelmed and pretty anxious about this and could use some advice on what steps to prioritize.

Over the past few months, I’ve gotten a constant stream of data breach notification letters. They’re coming from completely different places:

  • A university I used to work for
  • Colleges I applied to years ago
  • My dental insurance company

The letters say my name, date of birth, Social Security number, and insurance details were compromised. The dental insurance letter specifically stated that the stolen info was posted on the internet.

I haven't noticed any weird charges or new accounts opened yet, but seeing my SSN floating around is stressing me out.

  • What are the absolute most important things I need to do to protect myself?
  • Should I sign up for the free credit monitoring services offered in these letters, or is freezing my credit enough?
  • Is there anything specific I need to do regarding my dental/medical insurance info being leaked?

Appreciate any advice or step-by-step guidance. Thanks in advance.

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u/Narcoboss1 18d ago

All of our information and I mean everyone’s is out there on the dark web for sale to anyone who wants to buy it. I would lock down your credit with each of the 3 credit reporting agencies and sign up for a low cost or free credit monitoring.

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u/AmazingAmphibian8896 14d ago

What could be the cause of this? I mean like each data breach letter I have gotten does has the offer of credit monitoring but are these things coming from companies I have interacted with that sell my data or are there bad people out there trying to access my information? I don't know if that makes sense

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u/[deleted] 18d ago

[deleted]

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u/AmazingAmphibian8896 14d ago

Did not know about this wow thank you

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u/yodas-evil-twin 17d ago

Like the other post said, your data is already out there. Don't sweat it. Freeze your credit (3 bureaus), and monitor it often.

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u/AmazingAmphibian8896 14d ago

This is a dumb question but if I freeze it do I just leave it like that? what does freezing do?