Why You Should Take Action After a Data Breach

If you receive a data breach notification, it means your most private information—such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or even health records—may have been exposed. Companies issue these notices because they know the risks are real: identity theft, fraudulent accounts, and lasting financial harm.

Most breach notifications come with an offer of free credit monitoring or identity theft protection. At McShane & Brady, LLC, we strongly recommend taking advantage of these protections. But make no mistake—credit monitoring is only the first step.

Why Credit Monitoring Matters

– It costs you nothing. The company responsible for exposing your information pays for the service, not you.
– It alerts you to fraud. Credit monitoring will notify you if someone tries to open accounts in your name. Learn more about identity theft warning signs at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
– It covers the riskiest period. These services typically last 12–24 months—the window when your data is most likely to be misused.
– It provides peace of mind. Knowing someone is watching for suspicious activity offers reassurance in uncertain times.

Do Your Due Diligence

While we advise enrolling, you must read the fine print. Some services automatically renew and could require a credit card for continued coverage. If the terms make you uncomfortable, you have the right to set up your own free protections.

Federal law—the Fair Credit Reporting Act—entitles you to a free credit report once a week from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can request these reports here.

You can also place a credit freeze on your accounts, which is one of the strongest ways to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Each bureau provides instructions:

– Equifax

– Experian

– TransUnion

A smart strategy is to accept the free monitoring while also freezing your credit. This dual approach provides both immediate alerts and long-term safeguards.

Why Legal Action Matters

Credit monitoring cannot undo the harm of a breach. It only tells you after fraud occurs. The real issue is that your personal information was exposed because a company failed to protect it.

At McShane & Brady, LLC, we hold negligent companies accountable. Whether the breach involved a hospital, bank, government agency, or tech corporation, you have rights. Victims of data breaches may be entitled to compensation for:
– Emotional distress and anxiety
– Lost time spent dealing with fraud prevention
– The ongoing risk of identity theft

For additional information about your legal rights after a data breach, visit the Identity Theft Resource Center.

Protect Your Future Today

If you’ve received a breach notice, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your protection and your legal case will be.

📞 Call McShane & Brady, LLC at (816) 888-8010
🌐 Visit us at https://www.mcshanebradylaw.com

Your privacy is worth fighting for. Let us fight for you.