Data Breaches: Protecting Your Identity Years Later

Understand the Long Game of Exposed Data

Data exposed in a breach doesn't have an expiry date. Information like your name, date of birth, address, and even driver's licence or Medicare numbers can be packaged and sold on the dark web for years. Fraudsters often wait, sometimes for several years, for initial alerts to die down before attempting to use stolen credentials. This 'long game' approach means that ongoing vigilance is absolutely necessary.

Knowing that your data is out there should prompt continuous awareness, rather than panic. It’s about building resilient habits that mitigate the risk. The threat isn't just immediate financial loss; it can involve fraudulent applications for loans, passports, or even accessing government services in your name. Regular checks and proactive measures are your best defence.

Monitor Your Digital Footprint Regularly

Even in 2026, consistent monitoring of your financial statements and credit report remains paramount. Fraudsters might make small transactions first to test stolen card details, or open accounts you don't recognise. Review your bank, credit card, and superannuation statements meticulously each month. Look for any unfamiliar activity, no matter how small.

Your credit report is arguably one of the most critical places to check. Services like Equifax, Illion (formerly Dun & Bradstreet), and Experian allow you to access your credit file annually for free. If you see any accounts or credit applications you didn't initiate, it's a major red flag, and you should act immediately. Consider using a credit monitoring service for real-time alerts, especially if you were affected by significant breaches.

Strengthen All Your Online Accounts

We've heard it before, but it bears repeating: strong, unique passwords for every online account are non-negotiable. If you're still using variations of the same password across multiple sites, you're leaving yourself vulnerable to 'credential stuffing' attacks where hackers try leaked credentials on other platforms. Use a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Furthermore, two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be enabled on every single account that offers it. Whether it's an authenticator app, a physical security key, or SMS codes, 2FA adds a critical layer of security that makes it significantly harder for criminals to access your accounts, even if they have your password. This applies to email, social media, banking, and government service portals.

Be Wary of Targeted Scams and Phishing

Criminals often leverage breached data to craft highly convincing phishing emails, SMS messages, and phone calls. This is known as 'spear phishing' or 'angler phishing' and is designed to trick you into revealing more information or downloading malware. Always pause and scrutinise any unsolicited communication, especially if it asks for personal details, asks you to click a link, or creates a sense of urgency.

Government organisations like Services Australia, the ATO, and your bank will rarely, if ever, ask for personal details via email or SMS. If in doubt, never click on links in suspicious messages. Instead, independently verify the sender's details and contact the organisation directly using official Australian phone numbers or websites. Report suspected scams to Scamwatch and if you're ever unsure about a suspicious message, KNOMI can help you identify legitimate communications from scams.

Know Who to Call When Things Go Wrong

Despite all your precautions, cyber incidents can still happen. Identity theft or fraud can be incredibly distressing and confusing to navigate. Knowing who to call can make a significant difference in recovery. In Australia, ReportCyber is the national gateway for reporting cybercrime, and IDCARE offers free support to victims of identity crime. For specific types of fraud, your bank or financial institution is often the first point of contact.

KNOMI is your cyber incident first responder. When something goes wrong online and you suspect your identity has been compromised, or you're simply overwhelmed by a cyber incident, KNOMI is who you call. Our experts provide calm guidance and practical steps to minimise damage and help you on the path to recovery, working collaboratively with other Australian agencies where necessary.

Frequently asked questions