If Your Data’s Been Stolen Don’t Panic:

So-called breach letters — news that your personal data has been compromised — are a dime a dozen now. Should they go straight into the circular file? Every adult should expect to get a letter if they haven’t already. I’ve received three. Indications are that the situation is getting worse, but we don’t know whether that’s because there are more reports or because there are more breaches.

Don’t ignore a breach letter if you receive one. Read it carefully. If the breach involves an existing account, I recommend that people simply monitor their monthly statements. It’s more serious if your Social Security number has been compromised.

How so?  Your Social Security number is the key piece of data that identity thieves need to open new accounts in your name. That’s more difficult to recover from, and it takes more time. We still tell people not to panic — there’s not a lot of evidence that connects the dots between data breaches and ID theft. There’s little likelihood that you’ll become a victim because of a security breach. Even so, you should take steps to protect yourself.

For the full report see The Washington Post.