What to Do After Your SSN Is Exposed in a Breach

If your Social Security number was exposed in a data breach, act quickly, and start with the steps that cost nothing. Place a credit freeze at all three bureaus to block most new-account fraud; it is free and does not affect your score. Consider a fraud alert, change passwords on affected accounts, and turn on two-factor authentication. Review your reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, and use the FTC's IdentityTheft.gov for a free, step-by-step recovery plan based on exactly what was exposed.

For ongoing monitoring, WalletHub offers free daily credit-score updates and alerts so you can watch for sudden changes, and Experian has a free tier with your report and FICO score, plus paid plans that add three-bureau and dark web monitoring.

If you want broader coverage and hands-on help, LifeLock bundles Social Security number and dark web monitoring with identity-theft insurance and access to restoration specialists who assist if fraud occurs. Paid protection is optional and does not replace the free freeze, so treat it as an added layer for higher-risk situations rather than a substitute for the no-cost steps that block most fraud.