Breaking News: Capital One Data Breach

Capital One recently reported a data breach that impacted close to 140,000 people. Data was obtained from someone outside of the company on July 19, 2019. The company’s systems were patched immediately to avoid further information leakage, but some damage has already been done.

Here are the numbers:

  • 140,000 social security numbers stolen
  • 80,000 bank account numbers obtained
  • Credit scores and contact information was stolen (numbers are uncertain)

Hackers managed to steal information from current Capital One customers and from people that have applied for a credit card. In other words, you may not be a Capital One customer right now, but if you applied for a card from the company in the past, your data might have been stolen.

What Can You Do?

  • Monitor your credit score and card statements
  • Consider freezing your credit account via Equifax or other credit monitoring service
  • Change your Capital One and all credit passwords

Capital One has told the public that the company is working on how the breach happened and who is responsible for the hacks. No further information has been reported at this time.

Data breaches happen regularly but it is the responsibility of a company to make sure that hacks are stopped immediately and prevent hacks from happening. If you think that your credit has been compromised, make sure to report any suspicious activity immediately.

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