(Sponsored by PC Matic)

A recent data breach involving Carnival Corporation reportedly exposed sensitive information belonging to nearly 6 million travelers. While investigations are ongoing, incidents like this serve as an important reminder that your personal information can be compromised even when you are not the direct target.

The question is simple: How do you know when your information was exposed, and what should you do next?

Here are three important steps every American should take.

1. Check When Your Information Was Exposed

One of the easiest ways to determine whether your email address has appeared in a known data breach is by visiting Have I Been Pwned? This free resource allows you to enter your email address and see whether it has been associated with publicly disclosed breaches. You are not limited to a number of emails either – so feel free to search them all!

Fact: Cybercriminals often collect breached information from multiple incidents over many years. Even if a breach happened years ago, stolen data can continue circulating on underground marketplaces.

Tip: Check your primary email address as well as any older email accounts you still use for online shopping, travel reservations, or financial accounts.

2. Review Compromised Data

If the information listed under “Compromised Data” includes passwords, you should change them immediately. Many cybercriminals use automated tools that attempt stolen usernames and passwords across hundreds of websites. This tactic, known as credential stuffing, can quickly turn a single breach into multiple compromised accounts.

Fact: A password that was secure yesterday becomes a liability the moment it appears in a data breach.

Tip: Create strong, unique passwords or passphrases for every important account, especially email, banking, healthcare, and retirement accounts.

3. Never Reuse Passwords Across Multiple Accounts

Using the same password for multiple websites creates a domino effect.

If criminals gain access to one account, they may be able to unlock several others using the same credentials.

Fact: Password reuse remains one of the most common reasons cyberattacks succeed.

Tip: Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store unique passwords for every account you own.

Protect More Than Just Your Passwords

Even after changing passwords, stolen personal information can remain valuable to criminals for years.

That's why identity theft protection is an important part of a complete cybersecurity plan. Continuous monitoring can help alert you if your personal information appears in suspicious activity, allowing you to respond before greater damage occurs.

With PC Matic Identity Protection, you receive monitoring designed to help safeguard your digital identity. Even better, coverage extends to unlimited dependents, helping protect the entire family under one plan.

Get Protected Before the Next Breach

Data breaches are becoming more common, and no company is immune. The best defense is knowing whether your information has been exposed and taking action before cybercriminals do.

Choose PC Matic – Cybersecurity Built by Americans, to Protect America.