Columbia, S.C. – Security Breaches Impacting Millions of South Carolinians
By Kevin Connaughton
Published: Apr. 2, 2024 at 12:12 PM EDT
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) has recently released a report that highlights a significant rise in security breaches impacting South Carolinians. According to the report, an alarming 3,259,740 consumers and 139 businesses in the state were affected by breaches in 2023.
Impact on Various Sectors
The report reveals that the financial sector experienced the highest number of breaches in 2023, with over 1.5 million customers impacted. Following closely behind were the health and hospitality industries. The total number of affected consumers and businesses has more than tripled compared to the previous year, indicating a pressing need for heightened data security measures.
Protecting Your Data
SCDCA has urged consumers to take proactive steps to safeguard their data in light of these breaches. The department recommends changing passwords regularly, enabling multi-factor authentication, and using unique, complex passwords for each account. Monitoring credit reports and financial statements for any suspicious activity is also strongly advised.
Key Recommendations from SCDCA:
- Change passwords and activate multi-factor authentication.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Monitor credit reports and financial statements closely.
- Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your accounts.
Taking Action
If you suspect that your information may have been compromised in a breach, it is essential to act promptly. Placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your accounts can help prevent unauthorized access. Consumers can contact SCDCA’s Identity Theft Unit at 800-922-1594 for further guidance and assistance.
