VTech
Overview
On November 13, 2015, VTech was breached. Once the breach was discovered and verified, it was added to our database on November 25, 2015.
What data was compromised:
- Passwords
- IP addresses
- Security questions and answers
- Email addresses
- Dates of birth
- Physical addresses
- Family members’ names, Genders, Names, Usernames, Website activity
Find out if you were involved in this breach
We’ll help you quickly see if your email address was exposed in this breach, and understand what to do next.What to do for this breach
We recommend you take these steps to keep your personal info safe and protect your digital identity.
- Change your password
Make this password unique and different from any others you use. A good strategy to follow is to combine two or more unrelated words to create an entire passphrase, and include numbers and symbols.
- Update other logins using the same password
Reusing passwords turns a single data breach into many. Now that this password is out there, hackers could use it to get in to other accounts.
- Use a VPN to mask your IP address
Your Internet Protocol address (IP address) pinpoints your location and internet service provider. A service like Mozilla VPN masks your IP address to hide your location.
Try Mozilla VPN- Create unique answers for security questions
Many websites ask the same questions. If one answer gets exposed, the information is out. Create long, random answers and store them somewhere safe.
- Use an email mask
Giving out your real email address makes it easier for hackers or trackers to find your passwords or target you online. A service like Firefox Relay hides your real email address while forwarding emails to your real inbox.
Try Firefox Relay- Avoid using personal info in PINs
Because your date of birth is easy to find in public records, it’s best to avoid using it in passwords and PINs. People who know your birthday could also very easily guess your PIN.
- Avoid using addresses in passwords
Using addresses or the street where you grew up weaken your passwords. Since it’s easy to find this info publicly, it makes these passwords easy to guess.
- Use unique, strong passwords for every account
Password reuse puts all your accounts at risk. This means that if one password gets exposed, hackers have the keys to many accounts.
- Store passwords in a safe place
Put your login details in a secure place only you can access, such as a password manager. This also makes it easy to keep track of all your different passwords.
- Be cautious about giving out personal information
Don’t hand out personal data if you don’t have to. If you are asked to enter or give out your email address, ZIP code, or phone number, you can say no.
- Update software and apps regularly
Updating your smartphone apps, browsers, and operating systems makes your devices more secure. These updates fix bugs, software vulnerabilities, and security problems.
What is a website breach?
A website data breach happens when cyber criminals steal, copy, or expose personal information from online accounts. It’s usually a result of hackers finding a weak spot in the website’s security. Breaches can also happen when account information gets leaked by accident.