5 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Credit Card Breaches

This year it seems like every time you turn on the TV there's been some sort of data breach. Hacked emails and photos, stolen passwords and even credit card breaches.

Did you know that studies have shown that if you get a data breach notification letter, you're more than 4 times as likely to be a victim of identity theft?

That's quite the scary statistic, especially considering the recent news of the Home Depot breach, which really hits home for me as we head there on a regular basis for things around the house and DIY projects.

Ways to Protect Yourself Against Credit Card Breaches

That's why I'm so happy that LifeLock is sponsoring today's conversation about 5 ways to protect yourself against credit card breaches. #BreachWatch

Improving my credit has been very important to me the past several years and these are some of the everyday ways I help to ensure my financial history doesn't get tarnished outside of my control.

1. Ask your bank and credit providers what services they provide in the event of a breach. Some banks and credit providers have better breach protection and resolution than others.

Before creating an account, or if you haven't checked in a while, ask the provider what services they offer to prevent breaches or what they can do to help if one occurs.

You especially want to be sure about any fees or amounts you may be responsible for and how long you have to report any issues.

2. Be mindful of where you use your cards. One of the easiest ways to get involved in a credit card breach is to use your card at a place that isn't secure.

This is obviously outside of our control at brick and mortar stores, but when shopping online, make sure the site is secure and never use your credit card on an open WiFi network.

3. Regularly check your online account, statements and credit history. Let's be honest.

With the availability of online banking, many of us don't keep strict records on paper of what our account balances should be anymore.

It's always a good idea to at least keep your receipts handy so that you can check them against what was charged later in the month and make sure you don't have any amounts that are higher than you signed for or that you didn't authorize.

Checking your credit report at least once a year will make sure that no accounts have been made in your name that you aren't aware of.

Having alerts for my account and card issue is one of the easiest ways I keep on top of my financial security.

4. Setup alerts for your banking and credit accounts. A great way to stay on top of your accounts these days is with banking and credit alerts that you can get emailed to you or even texted to your phone.

You can often get alerts with your daily balance, if your balance goes below a certain amount, if someone makes a transaction and more. This makes it super easy to see if any transactions were made that you didn't authorize.

5. Invest in a service like LifeLock. In today's world of go go go, it can be tough to stay on top of everything, even the important things like our financial health and security.

That's why I really like the idea of investing in a service like LifeLock to add another layer of protection and sense of security.

LifeLock offers a variety of levels of coverage, and even for all ages. Some of the services they provide include an alert system, lost wallet protection, address change verification, live member support that's always available and even a $1 million total service guarantee.

Want to stay on top of your credit and financial protection with LifeLock? Head on over to the LifeLock site to pick the plan that meets your needs and use LifeLock coupon code breachwatch to save 10%!

What are some ways to protect yourself against credit card breaches that you implement?