In times of disaster, whether it’s a natural calamity like an earthquake or a hurricane, or a man-made crisis such as a cyber-attack or civil unrest, it’s crucial to remember that your personal information is as vulnerable as your physical wellbeing. During such chaotic periods, identity theft and fraud are rampant, as criminals exploit the disruption and disorder. Here’s how you can safeguard your personal information when disaster strikes.
Before the Disaster: Be Prepared
1. Secure Important Documents: Store your essential documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and legal papers in a fireproof and waterproof container. You might also consider a safety deposit box at your bank or a secure cloud storage service for digital backups.
2. Strengthen Your Cybersecurity: Make sure all your electronic devices are protected with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where available. Regularly update your computer and smartphone with the latest security patches.
3. Limit What You Carry: When you’re on the move during a disaster, only carry essential identification and financial cards. Reducing what you carry minimizes the risk of loss and theft.
4. Inventory Your Wallet: Make a photocopy or a secure digital record of both sides of the cards in your wallet. In case they get lost or stolen, you’ll have immediate access to account numbers and customer service information.
During the Disaster: Stay Vigilant
5. Guard Your Personal Information: When disaster strikes, you may need to share information to receive aid, but always ask why it’s necessary and how it will be protected. Scammers often pose as government officials or aid workers. Request identification from anyone asking for personal information.
6. Go Paperless: If you don’t already receive electronic statements, consider setting this up for your bank accounts and bills. This way, you won’t need to worry about sensitive mail being lost or stolen.
7. Beware of Disaster-Related Scams: Fraudsters may attempt phishing schemes by impersonating charities or government agencies. Verify the legitimacy of any organization before donating or providing personal details. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts.
After the Disaster: Recover and Rebuild
8. Monitor Your Accounts: Check your financial account statements, credit reports, and any other personal information for signs of unauthorized activity. Early detection can help mitigate the impact of identity theft.
9. Repair and Replace Documents: If any important documents have been damaged or lost, prioritize their replacement. Contact relevant agencies to initiate the process.
10. Reset Passwords: If there is any chance that your information has been compromised, reset your passwords. This is especially necessary if your devices were lost, stolen, or exposed to unfamiliar networks.
11. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect that you’re a victim of fraud or identity theft, report it immediately to your financial institutions, and consider filing a report with the local police, the Federal Trade Commission, or other relevant authorities.
12. Learn from Experience: After surviving a disaster and managing your personal information throughout, take note of what worked and what didn’t. Use this experience to update your emergency preparedness plan accordingly.
By taking proactive steps and remaining cautious during and after a disaster, you can help protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands. Remember, maintaining the security of your personal data is an ongoing process that doesn’t stop when the disaster ends. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.