For Home  •  For Business  •  About Webroot
My Account • Renew / Upgrade • Cart
Photo illustration of ghost chatting with person.

7 tips for protecting your identity online

by Kate Hernandez | October 15, 2025 | Threat Lab

Reading Time: 4mins

Imagine leaving your front door unlocked and a copy of your house key on the welcome mat. That’s what it’s like when your personal data is exposed in a breach—criminals suddenly have access to information they can use to open accounts, drain funds, or impersonate you.

And it’s happening on a massive scale. In 2025 alone, more than 16 billion login credentials were exposed worldwide. At the same time, U.S. consumers lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.

The real danger isn’t just the breach itself. Criminals often hold onto stolen data for months or even years, waiting for the perfect time to use it. That’s why protecting your identity isn’t just about reacting when something goes wrong—it’s about building safe online habits, monitoring your digital footprint, and knowing exactly what to do if your information is ever compromised.

1. Why identity protection matters

When you hear about a breach, it’s tempting to think the danger ends once the news fades. In truth, exposed data often has a long tail of misuse. A Social Security number or date of birth doesn’t expire, and a leaked email address can keep receiving phishing attempts for years. Your data footprint is larger than you think and keeping it small makes it harder for criminals to exploit you.

2. Safe online banking habits

Why it matters

Banks and credit unions invest heavily in fraud prevention, but criminals often target the weakest link—individual users. By taking a few simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft and account fraud.

What to do

  • Use trusted devices: Log in only from personal computers or mobile devices you keep updated.
  • Enable two-step verification: Think of two-factor authentication (2FA) as a double lock on your front door. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, like a text message or an app notification, along with your password.
  • Create strong logins: Unique, complex passwords help block credential stuffing attacks. See the our tips for creating strong passwords.
  • Set alerts and controls: Turn on transaction notifications, spending limits, and credit and ATM card controls in your banking app.
  • Choose secure payment methods: Digital wallets and virtual card numbers add extra protection against fraud.
     

Pro tip
Don’t wait until fraud happens—set up these protections today so your accounts are always guarded, even when you’re not watching.

3. Credit monitoring and alerts

Why it matters

Fraud often starts quietly—an unauthorized credit check, a new account in your name, or stolen data for sale on the dark web. By monitoring your credit and personal information, you can spot suspicious activity early and act before real damage is done.

What to do

  • Use credit-monitoring services that track all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
  • Set custom alerts for activities like new account openings or hard credit checks.
  • Enable real-time notifications so you’re the first to know if something changes.
  • Add identity monitoring to scan dark web marketplaces and breach databases for your exposed information.
     

Pro tip

Check if your email has been exposed using Have I Been Pwned, and consider comprehensive tools like Webroot™ Total Protection, which safeguards your devices and monitors your personal data on the dark web.

4. If you’re caught in a breach (checklist)

If you learn your information has been compromised, take these steps right away:

  • Change your password and enable two-factor authorization on the affected account.
  • Check active sessions and log out devices you don’t recognize.
  • Review recent transactions on bank and credit card statements.
  • Report fraud to your bank, card issuer, or the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
     

5. Freeze, fraud alert, or lock?

Why it matters

Credit freezes, alerts, and locks put you in control of who can access your credit file. Identity thieves often try to open new accounts in your name, and these tools act as barriers—whether it’s a full freeze that blocks all new applications, an alert that forces lenders to verify your identity, or a lock you can quickly toggle on and off. Using them reduces the chances of fraud slipping through unnoticed.

What to do

  • Credit freeze: Blocks all new credit applications until you lift it. Best for long-term protection. Free to set up at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
  • Fraud alert: Tells creditors to verify your identity before issuing new credit. Use this after a suspected breach or fraud attempt. Place one alert with any bureau; it lasts one year. FTC fraud alert guide.
  • Credit lock: Lets you lock/unlock access via a mobile app. Convenient but not as strong as a freeze. Available through each bureau (sometimes with fees).
     

Pro tip

For maximum protection, combine strategies: keep a credit freeze in place for long-term security, then use fraud alerts if you suspect suspicious activity.

6. Minimize your personal data

Why it matters

The more personal information available about you online, the easier it is for criminals to target, impersonate, or scam you. Reducing your digital footprint makes you a harder target for fraud and identity theft.

What to do

  • Remove personal data from the internet: opt out of data broker sites that resell your information—either by using a service like Equifax or manually requesting removal on broker websites.
  • Tighten privacy settings: Adjust your social platform settings to hide sensitive details like your birthday, home address, and family information.
  • Think before you share: Avoid oversharing online, since even small details can be pieced together by cybercriminals.

 

Pro tip

Set a recurring reminder—like once a quarter—to review your privacy settings and re-check data broker sites. Staying proactive keeps your information under control.

7. Stay proactive with Webroot

Safe banking habits, credit monitoring, and breach recovery are all part of a larger strategy: protecting your identity before criminals can use it. Get comprehensive security at your fingertips—check out Webroot Total Protection and explore our Cybersecurity Resource Hub for practical ways to protect you and your family online.

Additional Resources