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Q. Do medical schools take into consideration your institution while looking at your undergraduate GPA? Will going to a grade-deflated school hurt my chances of getting into medical school?A. In general, medical school acceptance hinges on how high your MCAT score and undergraduate GPA are. High GPA is valued, regardless of your school or your major. Passing the first hurdle, other qualities make a difference of your gaining admission into a top tier medical school.If your GPA is in the lower range, allowance is made for the prestige of your undergraduate institution, the challenge of your major and whether there is known grade “deflation.” Even Princeton University reversed course. In 2014, the university made the decision to end grade deflation which had hindered the prospect of many graduates in past years.What can you do if you happen to be an engineering major in a school with serious grade deflation? Score extremely well on the MCAT!What is different about medical school admission compared to law school, business school and undergraduate admissions?Medical school ranking matters little in the medical field. US News Rankings do not make or break a school’s reputation. There is no consensus as to the actual order of the top schools. There is vague reputation as being the top 25, but no order. Schools do not have to worry about having the highest GPA, highest MCAT, lowest acceptance rate, highest yield so that the rank moves up a few notches. There is not even a recognized ranking of top schools. There is a ranking of schools with the highest NIH research funding, and a ranking of best schools in primary care. Both lists matter little in the opinion of those in medicine.Does the reputation of the medical schools matter in the career of graduates, like in law where graduates from Yale or Harvard dominate court clerkships and the Supreme Court bench? Medicine is a bit more complicated. The goal of every physician is to become board certified in a specialty of his/her own choosing. Schools are not strong across all disciplines. The Department of Surgery may be top tier, but the Department of Medicine may not be. The Department of Anesthesiology may be on probation, in part because of the supremacy of the Department of Surgery, causing difficulty in recruiting top quality Anesthesiology Staff. And even in the Department of Surgery, the Division of Plastic Surgery may be top tier, but the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery may not be. The loss of several stars in a Division may change the fortune of that Division overnight.How do you pick the right school that has a top tier residency program in your chosen medical specialty when only 20–40% of students actually specialize in the specialty that made them want to become a physician in the first place?Does attending a less renowned medical school affect your career? The equalizing factors are successes on the USMLE exams and class rank (or membership in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, medicine’s equivalent of Law Review). With those credentials, a graduate of any medical school can enter any coveted specialty (currently Dermatology, Orthopedic Surgery, ENT etc.) Graduates of prestigious medical schools do dominate matching into the top tier residency programs in the top medical specialties upon review of recent match cycles. Pedigree does matter if you choose an academic career, where attending the best residency program, the best fellowship program and the connections lead to faculty appointments at prestigious institutions. Successes then may lead to leadership at institution, national and international levels in medical and specialty organizations.Back to the question of acceptance into any medical school, the process is “holistic”. The following are what medical college admission committees look for in candidates. First article is from the American Association of Medical Colleges. The second from the University of Minnesota. At the end is a short Kaplan discussion regarding GPA and MCAT in the application process.How Medical Schools Review Applications (AAMC)What are admissions officers looking for?While expectations, missions, policies, and requirements are unique to each medical school, many schools look for students who demonstrate an ability to handle challenging coursework and have the personal attributes needed to work with people. It’s important for applicants to show that they’ve done well in upper-level science courses, and “doing well on the MCAT® exam shows that you can handle medical school coursework,” says Irene Tise, admissions officer in the Office of Medical Student Admissions at Wake Forest School of Medicine.Lori Nicolaysen, assistant dean of admissions at Weill Cornell Medical College, adds that they “seek students who have also demonstrated exceptional personal initiative. Such initiative may take the form of leadership, creativity, research, community service, motivation, or other life experiences.”Mickey Foxwell, M.D., associate dean for admissions at University of Maryland School of Medicine says, “Each applicant needs to be as sure as possible that this is what they want to do with their life. That motivation can be demonstrated through academic achievement and also through exposure to clinical medicine and community service. Does the applicant know what it’s like to take care of someone? Does the applicant have an idea about the advantages and disadvantages of a career in medicine?”Schools also look for evidence that an applicant has demonstrated good judgment, compassion, and selflessness— qualities every physician should embody. Applicants can show evidence through their involvement in extracurricular activities, letters of evaluation, and their personal statement.What happens when my application is received?Each medical school has its own nuanced process for reviewing applications. For example, “Weill Cornell invites all applicants to complete the secondary application,” Ms. Nicolaysen shares. “Once the file is complete (including secondary application, letters of evaluation, and MCAT scores), the application is moved to screening. A number of experienced admissions committee members serve as screeners. Although Weill Cornell has fourth-year medical students on the admissions committee, the students do not screen applications.”Dr. Raquel D. Arias, associate dean of admissions at Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, explains, “In order to give every candidate a fair review of their personal qualities and accomplishments, a single screener evaluates all candidates with a particular MCAT score at our school. This controls for the inevitable influence that this important test has on the process. An admissions officer reads every application submitted to the school.” (There is no automated filter.)At Wake Forest School of Medicine, Ms. Tise explains, “Because of the large number of applications we receive, we use a formula that separates and groups applicants based on their AMCAS® primary application. The groups are: 1) Proceed and send a secondary application, (2) Hold for MCAT score or other extenuating circumstances and notify candidates, and (3) Risk, based on academics.Those candidates in the “risk” category are reviewed individually by the associate dean and an executive committee of five faculty and admissions committee members. From there, a decision is made to either proceed with the application process or reject the application.” Typically, after secondary applications are submitted, the associate dean and a committee review the applications and place candidates into interview pools. Because of the large number of applicants, only a small percentage is asked to interview.How do reviewers decide whom to interview?Medical schools consider each applicant’s academic proficiency, whether they are likely to thrive in the culture of the institution, and if their experiences, attributes, and goals are in line with the school’s mission and goals. Inevitably, medical schools receive many more qualified applicants than they can interview and matriculate. The decision to interview one student over another can be very difficult to say the least.“It is incredibly challenging because there are so many admirable candidates,” Ms. Nicolaysen explains. “Ultimately, the committee screeners attempt to identify the best qualified applicants from diverse academic and personal backgrounds whom we deem most likely to build a dynamic learning environment at Weill Cornell and to become leaders in medicine.”Dr. Foxwell adds, “At University of Maryland, outstanding grades and MCAT scores do not guarantee that an applicant will be invited to interview. Just as important are extracurricular activities and life experiences, essays and personal comments in AMCAS, and letters of recommendation.”Dr. Arias says, “The path to becoming a physician is unique to each applicant; therefore, we do not mandate any particular course of study. We have no preference for a particular major (or minor). Evidence of the personal attributes of integrity, adaptability, language skills, collaboration, and a commitment to service are evaluated with an eye toward the development of physician scientists. We infer the desired applicant qualities from both the content of the application and the care with which it is delivered. Every aspect of the application is important. Applicants who speak in their own voice, without “spin,” is especially valued.”Additionally, some public medical schools also may consider an out-of-state applicant’s ties to the state or institution if non-state residents are not typically considered for matriculation. (For more information, check with individual medical school websites or consult the AAMC's Medical School Admission Requirements.)What are some common mistakes applicants make?The same tips you might have received for undergraduate or job applications hold true for medical school applications. Always tell the truth and be sure to mention activities and volunteer, research, or work experiences that are most important, and if possible, occurred within the last few years. “Take your AMCAS essay questions seriously,” counsels Ms. Tise. “These essays are not creative writing exercises. You may start off with a descriptive experience, but, move quickly into how and why you want to become a physician and how this experience helped determine that. Also, proofread carefully. There are no excuses for punctuation and grammatical errors. We know you are applying to several schools, but be careful to include the correct name in secondary materials.“Redundant information is a waste of space. Inconsistencies can call an applicant’s authenticity into question,” cautions Ms. Nicolaysen. “We advise not including high school activities or activities in which your participation was minimal. Also, try to avoid boasting or exaggerating.”Dr. Foxwell advises that “Applicants must begin to think like professionals. If a photograph is requested in a secondary application, make it a good one, not one that may call your professionalism into question.”What advice does the review committee have?“Do your homework. Know what schools are looking for, and work closely with your advisor,” cautions Dr. Foxwell.Your application needs to be complete and truthful. When it comes to your personal statement, Ms. Tise recommends, “There is no secret checklist or formula. Remember, you are the applicant, and we want to know why you think you are a good one.”Furthermore, Ms. Nicolaysen advises applicants, “Before submitting your application, ask some trusted mentors, friends, or family members to give you feedback about your experiences and essays. You might ask them questions like, ‘How would you describe me based on what you read? Did my essay hold your attention? Was anything confusing? Did you notice any typos?’”Most importantly, relax. Most applicants have one or two items that they wish they’d changed or perhaps a mistake they think they might have made. If you have further concerns or anxiety over the application process, check out the Aspiring Docs fact sheet on helpful tips for dealing with application anxiety.Essential and Desired Qualities of medical school candidates:Strong academicsHigh GPA and MCAT scores. See AAMC MCAT site for students.A commitment to improving the human conditionEssential:Sustained and meaningful commitment to human service demonstrated through volunteer activities, scholarly pursuits, employment, academic endeavors, or other experiencesUnderstanding of medicineSubstantial independent research experience(s) (MD/PhD applicants)Desired:Commitment to care of the underservedCommitment to community and global patient careProfessional conductHonesty and integrity, particularly regarding instances of personal failings or mistakes (essential)Compassion, evident through evaluations, prior employment, or experience in other roles that require compassion (essential)Self-awareness, evident in a student’s knowledge of their own strengths, weaknesses, and when to ask for help (essential)Ethical behavior (essential)Outstanding interpersonal skillsOral and written communication skills must be excellent, both to share knowledge and to convey empathy (essential)Teamwork skills require acknowledging other team members’ expertise, accurate self-assessment, assuming leadership when appropriate, and subsuming individual interests to the work of the team (essential)Cultural humility and inclusivity (essential)Leadership & diversity experiences (desired)A dedication to lifelong learningIntellectual curiosity (essential)Demonstrated scientific aptitude—a fundamental appreciation of how the scientific method is applied to the discovery of medical knowledge and to medical practice (essential)Potential for academic success (essential)Psychological resilience as demonstrated through emotional stability, skills to cope with stress, an ability to deal with sacrifice and hardship, maturity, good judgment, and an ability to defer gratification (essential)Creativity (desired)What’s the Average GPA for Medical School | Kaplan Test PrepNOVEMBER 30, 2016EMILY HAUSEAdmissions officials receive three different GPAs when reviewing applicants.A previous version of this article was originally published by Alex MacNow.While we’ve tackled the topic of medical school admissions by the numbers in the past, we turn our attention today to the average GPA for medical school. It’s stressful to think that a few bad grades in your undergraduate career can impact your chances of getting into medical school; however, it’s important to know that a low GPA can be overcome.Remember, the AAMC keeps GPA information public through their FACTS tables. In addition to what we’ve covered here, there is a lot more information you can glean from these resources. In the world of medical school admissions, knowledge is power!Breaking down the average GPA for medical schoolMedical schools are actually given three GPAs when they look at your application. Your science and math courses are considered according to what is called the BPCM (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Math) GPA, and your non-science courses (humanities, social sciences, language, etc.) are considered as a separate GPA. The third GPA that schools see is the overall aggregate.While each medical school has its own average GPA for the incoming class (information for MD programs can be easily found in the Medical School Admission Requirements guidebook), the national averages for 2015–2016 were as follows:BPCM GPA: applicants 3.45, matriculants 3.64Non-science GPA: applicants 3.68, matriculants 3.77Overall GPA: applicants 3.55, matriculants 3.70What can I do if I have a below average GPA?Unlike the MCAT, for which many of you still have a clean slate, GPA is set during your college career. So what can you do if you’re applying and your GPA isn’t quite in the range above?1. Explain the GPA tactfullyYou have the opportunity to bring up any blips in your GPA on both the primary application (as part of the Personal Statement) and your secondary applications (in one of the essays or as an addendum to the application). Some secondary applicationseven provide a space for pieces of your application that you’d like to explain.When talking about a problem in your GPA, explain the reason behind the drop, but don’t make excuses! Medical schools want mature applicants who can take ownership of the problem, and—perhaps more importantly—can explain how it served as a learning experience. Did getting a not-so-great grade in Organic Chemistry I teach you how to study better, utilize office hours, or find new ways to learn so that you knocked Organic Chemistry II out of the park? These skills will help you become a better medical student. Explain that to the medical schools.2. Become an MCAT rockstarAccording to Kaplan’s latest medical school admissions officer survey, two of the most important factors in admission are the GPA and MCAT score. Thus, falling below the average GPA for medical school matriculants can be significantly abated with a stellar MCAT score. Prepare wisely and work towards your target MCAT score.3. Retake courses or consider post-bacc workThere are a number of post-baccalaureate programs in the country that can be optimal for a student who needs to boost their GPA (especially the BPCM GPA). Masters and post-bacc programs may also afford you opportunities to become involved in research or shadowing, thus helping your application portfolio that much more.

Use of the FACS CredentialThe FACS credential exists to foster the professional growth and development of surgeons, promote high standards and best practices in surgical care, and establish and maintain patients’ confidence in the ability and integrity of their surgeon. Conferred on surgeons who meet specific academic and practice requirements, the FACS credential can only be used by Fellows in good standing with the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The FACS credential is not an honor that should be discarded lightly; members are expected to engage in ACS activities and remain financially current with their membership dues in order to continue to use the designation. Once membership lapses, a surgeon is no longer legally allowed to display FACS after their name and medical degree in any context. The designation is the exclusive intellectual property of the ACS. Misuse of the FACS designation by nonmembers is pursued by the ACS.United States and CanadaThe American College of Surgeons admits to its Fellowship only those surgeons whose professional activity is devoted to surgical practice and who agree without compromise to practice by the professional and ethical standards of the College.The standards of practice established and demanded by the American College of Surgeons are contained in the Fellowship Pledge, Statements on Principles, and the Code of Conduct. All Fellows of the College and applicants for Fellowship are expected to adhere to these standards.Surgeons voluntarily submit applications for Fellowship. In so doing, they are inviting an evaluation of their practice by their peers.In evaluating the eligibility of applicants for Fellowship, the College investigates each applicant's surgical practice. Applicants for Fellowship are required to provide to the appointed committees of the College all information deemed necessary for the review and evaluation of their surgical practice.Attainment of board certification in the appropriate surgical specialty does not, in and of itself, entitle a surgeon to Fellowship.Fellowship RequirementsThe College has designated December 1 of each year as the final date for acceptance of these applications. The completed applications (new or continuing) must be on file in the Division of Member Services in Chicago by this date. Only completed applications from surgeons who fulfill the following requirements will be considered for entry into Fellowship in October of the following year.Applicants for Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons are required to have the following qualifications:Graduation from a medical school acceptable to the American College of SurgeonsCertification which is appropriate to the applicant's specialty practice by an American Surgical Specialty Board which is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties, or an American Osteopathic Surgical Specialty Board, or an appropriate specialty certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.A full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the respective state or province with no reportable action pending which could adversely affect the status of that licensure.One year of surgical practice after the completion of all formal training is required.A current appointment on the surgical staff of the applicant's primary hospital with no reportable action pending that could adversely affect staff privileges at that or any other health care facility.A current surgical practice that establishes the applicant as a specialist in surgery. All applicants are expected to be physicians who have primary independent responsibility for the surgical treatment of patients.Ethical fitness as well as professional proficiency. This determination is based upon information obtained from Fellows who were consulted as references and from other sources.Interest in pursuing professional excellence both as an individual surgeon and a member of the surgical community. Such interest may be evidenced by membership in local, regional, and national surgical societies; participation in teaching programs and on hospital committees; continuing medical education through attendance at professional meetings, courses, and seminars.The Member Services Liaison Committee determines whether the requirements for Fellowship are satisfied and may, at its discretion; defer any application until such requirements are met.The Board of Regents makes the final decision regarding the applicant's eligibility for Fellowship.The Board of Regents may, at any time, modify the requirements for Fellowship.Process of Applying for FellowshipAll properly submitted and accepted applications for Fellowship are evaluated on a one-year cycle. The closing date for receiving completed applications is December 1 of each year.Surgeons who fulfill all of the requirements may submit an online application for Fellowship.A completed online application is required from each applicant. In addition to providing information regarding their surgical training and practice, applicants are requested to:Abide by the bylaws, rules and regulations of the College and the Fellowship PledgeAccept an Authorization to Release Information for hospital, medical organization, and others to release information deemed by the College to be material to its evaluation of the applicant.Furnish as references the names of five Fellows of the College who can provide an evaluation based on their actual knowledge of your surgical practice. The applicant is to obtain verbal assurance from these Fellows of their willingness to serve as references.Each Fellow named as a reference will be asked by the College to complete a form about the applicant's qualifications as a surgeon, as well as the applicant's professional and ethical standing in the community. The chief of surgery at each applicant's designated primary hospital(s) will be requested to provide a letter of reference. The College may also consult others.Applicants are expected to compile and submit the most recent twelve-month summary listing of all surgical procedures they have performed after completion of all formal training. The appropriate forms and instructions will be provided. This surgical list is intended to serve as an index to the volume, variety, and character of an applicant's surgical experience.Applicants may be requested to present detailed case reports and related information as additional evidence of their professional proficiency.Evaluation of Applications for FellowshipThe evaluation of an applicant for Fellowship is based on information relating to the applicant's surgical judgment and experience, professional competence, ethical conduct, and professional standing in the local community. Such information is obtained from appointed College committees, references named by the applicant, and others.The College Credentials Division reviews each application for completeness and prepares a summary of the biographical information and other pertinent information for applicant review and evaluation by the appointed Committee on Applicants.The Committee on Applicants interviews each applicant and reports its findings regarding the applicant's eligibility for Fellowship to the Credential Division.The College Credentials Division appraises information and recommendations from all sources relating to Fellowship applications and make recommendations to the Board of Regents. The Applicant Review Committee (ARC) evaluates unusual practice situations to determine if the requirements for Fellowship have been met and recommends an action to the Board of Regents.After review and evaluation of all information, the Board of Regents makes one of three decisions:Approved for Fellowship—In order to attain Fellowship, each applicant must receive the approval of three-fourths of the Board of Regents. Postponed (for one or two years)—an applicant's postponement is not considered a denial of the application. It is designed to give the applicant an opportunity to acquire further knowledge or additional experience or to develop professionally. It also provides the College with an additional period for observation, investigation, and further evaluation of the applicant's eligibility for Fellowship.Denial of ApplicationFollowing a denial of an application, the applicant may submit a new application after a waiting period of three years.Applicants who have received a denial of their application may request an appeal. To initiate an appeal, the applicant must submit a written request to the Director of the Division of Member Services. Appeals are heard under the direction of the Board of Regents.The Board of Regents may reverse a denial of an application at its discretion. However, the final decision of the Board of Regents, following an appeal, is binding.No action is taken when an application is determined by the College's Division of Member Services to be incomplete. Incomplete applications are deferred for consideration to the following year.Successful applicants (Initiates) are admitted into Fellowship during the Convocation Ceremony at the College's Clinical Congress in October of each year. Fellowship is conferred by the President of the College.Initiates are notified by email of their acceptance prior to August 1. Between the date of the acceptance notification letter and the Convocation, Initiates must notify the Division of Member Services of any changes in their location, practice situation, type of practice or hospital privileges since such changes may affect their admission into Fellowship.The College provides information concerning the status of an application for Fellowship only to the applicant or those individuals involved in the College's evaluation of the application.The regulations for admission into Fellowship have been formulated by the Board of Regents and apply uniformly to all applicants. No other means of admission is available.FeesApplication FeeThe fee must accompany every application for Fellowship and is paid at the time the application is submitted. The fee covers a portion of the cost of reviewing and processing the application and is not refundable. No application will be processed without the fee.Initiate FeeA statement for the Initiate Fee is sent to the applicants who are notified of their Initiate status. If this fee is not received at the College by September 1 of the appropriate year, the Initiate will not be awarded Fellowship in the College.Annual DuesUpon the recommendation of the Board of Governors, the Board of Regents determines the amount of annual dues.Fellowship PledgeRecognizing that the American College of Surgeons seeks to exemplify and develop the highest traditions of our ancient profession, I hereby pledge myself, as a condition of Fellowship in the College, to live in strict accordance with the College's principles and regulations.I pledge to pursue the practice of surgery with honesty and to place the welfare and the rights of my patient above all else. I promise to deal with each patient as I would wish to be dealt with if I were in the patient's position, and I will respect the patient's autonomy and individuality.I further pledge to affirm and support the social contact of the surgical profession with my community and society.I will take no part in any arrangement or improper financial dealings that induce referral, treatment, or withholding of treatment for reasons other than the patient's welfare.Upon my honor, I declare that I will advance my knowledge and skills, will respect my colleagues, and will seek their counsel when in doubt about my own abilities. In turn, I will willingly help my colleagues when requested.I recognize the interdependency of all health care professionals and will treat each with respect and consideration.Finally, by my Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons, I solemnly pledge to abide by the Code of Professional Conduct and to cooperate in advancing the art and science of surgery.Code of Professional ConductAs Fellows of the American College of Surgeons, we treasure the trust that our patients have placed in us, because trust is integral to the practice of surgery. During the continuum of pre-, intra-, and postoperative care, we accept responsibilities to:Serve as effective advocates of our patients' needs.Disclose therapeutic options, including their risks and benefits.Disclose and resolve any conflict of interest that might influence decisions regarding care.Be sensitive and respectful of patients, understanding their vulnerability during the perioperative period.Fully disclose adverse events and medical errors.Acknowledge patients' psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual needs.Encompass within our surgical care the special needs of terminally ill patients.Acknowledge and support the needs of patients' families.Respect the knowledge, dignity, and perspective of other health care professionals.Our profession is also accountable to our communities and to society. In return for their trust, as Fellows of the American College of Surgeons, we accept responsibilities to:Provide the highest quality surgical care.Abide by the values of honesty, confidentiality, and altruism.Participate in lifelong learning.Maintain competence throughout our surgical careers.Participate in self-regulation by setting, maintaining, and enforcing practice standards.Improve care by evaluating its processes and outcomes.Inform the public about subjects within our expertise.Advocate strategies to improve individual and public health by communicating with government, health care organizations, and industry.Work with society to establish just, effective, and efficient distribution of health care resources.Provide necessary surgical care without regard to gender, race, disability, religion, social status, or ability to pay.Participate in educational programs addressing professionalism.As surgeons, we acknowledge that we relate to our patients when they are most vulnerable. Their trust and the privileges we enjoy depend on our individual and collective participation in efforts that promote the good of both our patients and society. As Fellows of the American College of Surgeons, we commit ourselves and the College to the ideals of professionalism.Source: www.facs.org

Paypal itself has been breached, but according to them as you will see below, no customer was harmed. Thanks for your question[How can you protect yourself?Limit your use of credit cards online. Ironically, given the subject of this article, using PayPal is safer than using credit cards when online. PayPal limits the information you are providing. In fact, no customers were harmed in the PayPal data breach.Change identifying information. Pick a new birth year or change your gender on social media profiles. This helps to keep information about you from being linked with information from other sites.Practice good data management. Check all of your account statements regularly. Look for suspicious items and set alerts to notify you when a large purchase is made.Check to see if the apps you use are storing information. Some apps actually collect and sell information. Install updates for your apps because the updates typically include more advanced security, or close existing gaps that were recently discovered and exploited.]Credit Card InsiderWhat Is a Data Breach and What Should I Do If I Am a Victim of One?11 min readBy Abigail WellesSep 17, 2019 | Updated Sep 23, 2019[On average, a cyberattack occurs every 39 seconds and with a steady track record of mass digital data breaches since the first in 2004, hackers don’t seem to be slowing down. Although cybercriminals have a tendency to target larger companies, millions of customers can be placed in the line of fire by association.For this reason, it’s important to be proactive in understanding data breaches and how you can take measures to protect yourself should you become involved in one.What Is a Data Breach?A data breach is a cyberattack in which private information is accessed without authorization. Data breaches can occur within various organizations, from second-party retail stores and medical companies to third-party businesses like credit bureaus.How Does a Data Breach Occur?Data breaches are typically carried out in three separate steps: research, attack, and exfiltration.The Research Phase: A cybercriminal will look for vulnerabilities in the targeted company’s security system.The Attack: Once the attacker finds any weaknesses in a company’s security, he or she may attempt to access private information through either a network or social attack.Network Attack: A method through which the cybercriminal breaks into private information through the organization’s infrastructure or security system.Social Attack: A social attack is a method of infiltration in which the attacker uses a scam, such as phishing, to bait employees into providing access to a network or opening an attachment that holds a virus.Exfiltration: This last phase of a data breach occurs once the attacker finally gains access to a system. He or she may not have access to any data right away but is able to work towards the information needed. Once the data is extracted the attack is successful.Data Breach vs. Identity TheftAlthough the two are closely related, there is a distinct difference between a data breach and identity theft. A data breach can lead to identity theft. However, this is not definite. Just because there was a massive data breach involving your private information, it doesn’t mean your identity was or will be stolen.So while a data breach means your private information is accessed and taken, it is not identity theft unless the attacker actually uses the stolen information to impersonate you.Why Do Data Breaches Occur?There are various reasons as to why a data breach can occur.Out-of-Date Systems: According to Verizon’s 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report, 52% of breaches were caused by hacking. Oftentimes, breaches can simply be caused by a combination of small, avoidable security vulnerabilities (such as out-of-date software) and a good hacker. If the software isn’t maintained and using the latest security protection, then companies are inviting hackers to take advantage of them.Viruses/Malware: Verizon’s report cites malware as involved in 28% of breaches. Malware can be exposed to systems through social attacks or through network attacks by modifying existing software (even antivirus software) to have a malicious impact, despite appearing safe.Human Error: In a separate report, the Society for Human Resource Management claimed that mistakes made by an individual rather than a system account for 52% of security breaches. The Verizon Investigations report claims 33% of breaches included a social attack involving people, like phishing.Human error may also include using a weak password, sending sensitive information to the wrong recipient, or simply leaving a computer unlocked and unattended. In other cases, company servers have been left open and accessible to the public, ready and waiting for anyone to come along and take a look.How Can a Data Breach Affect You?Although being involved in a data breach doesn’t necessarily mean your identity has been stolen, it’s important to know what types of information may be stolen and the impact a breach can have on you.The types of information stolen may include:NamesDates of birthSocial Security numbersEmailsAddressesPhone numbersClinical/medical infoBanking/credit infoCredit card numbersInsurance claimsAlthough a name and a date of birth may seem like insignificant information, with them hackers have the ability to deeply impact your life in a negative way. With the aforementioned data, a cyber attacker has the potential to steal your identity.He or she can use the stolen breached data to impersonate you, like applying for credit or medical benefits or filing for your tax return. Some of these crimes can destroy your credit, which can take loads of time (years, in many identity theft cases!) and stress to undo.Recent dives into credit card security suggest that over 80% of active cards have already been compromised. This even applies to cards that haven’t been involved in data breaches and places a strong importance on educating yourself to protect against identity theft.]Things to Do After Your Identity Is StolenThink someone is using your personal information? Take these steps to protect yourself.By Maryalene LaPonsie, Contributor July 8, 2019, at 12:54 p.m.[LAST YEAR, 14.4 MILLION people were victims of identity fraud, according to the 2019 Identity Fraud Study from research and advisory firm Javelin. Nearly a quarter of victims had unreimbursed personal expenses related to the fraud, and the median loss was $375 among cases reported to the Federal Trade Commission.While not all fraud rises to the level of identity theft, it was the third most common complaint made to the FTC in 2018. Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information to open new financial accounts, file tax returns or even make fraudulent medical claims.There's a whole litany of areas in which identity theft can make your life more challenging," says Mike Tanenbaum, cyber head for insurer Chubb North America. Not only is it a crime that can cost you money, but it could require significant time and effort to resolve.To minimize the damage, here are 10 steps to take once you realize you may be a victim of identity theft.File a report with the Federal Trade Commission.Contact your local police department.Notify the IRS and your identity theft insurance, if applicable.Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.Freeze your credit.Sign up for a credit monitoring service, if offered.Tighten security on your accounts.Review your credit reports for mystery accounts.Scan credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges.Open new credit cards and financial accounts.1. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission.The FTC compiles information about identity theft cases. It doesn't have the ability to pursue criminal charges, but its information may be used by law enforcement agencies such as the FBI to track down perpetrators.To file a report with the Federal Trade Commission, visit www.identitytheft.gov. As part of the reporting process, you'll receive a recovery plan and even prefilled letters and forms that can be used to file police reports and dispute fraudulent charges.Keep in mind that identity theft is defined as impersonating another person or using their information for financial gain. "One piece of information alone doesn't usually identify you," says Lena Licata, director in process, risk and technology solutions at accounting firm EisnerAmper in Iselin, New Jersey. By itself, a security breach doesn't constitute a stolen identity and doesn't need to be reported to the FTC.2. Contact your local police department.The next step is to file a report with your local police department. Although the police may not be able to do anything if your identity was stolen by criminals online and overseas, your report could help them track down someone who is stealing information locally."The police report is to protect yourself," Tanenbaum says. It creates a paper trail that could be useful in the future. For instance, if someone uses your information to commit a crime, having documentation of identity theft could make resolving the matter easier.Some states have specialized units that handle complaints such as identity theft. "In Jersey, there is an entire cyber task force," Licata notes. If your state has an office such as this, file a report there as well.3. Notify the IRS and your identity theft insurance, if applicable.There are two other entities you may need to contact depending on your situation. First, you should notify the IRS if your Social Security number was used to file an income tax return. Do this by submitting a Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit, explains Neal Stern, a CPA member of the American Institute of CPAs' Financial Literacy Commission.Next, contact your identity theft insurance provider if you have one. Some companies, such as LifeLock and IdentityForce sell identity theft protection services that include insurance coverage. However, you may also have benefits through your homeowner or other insurance plans. For instance, Chubb offers complimentary identity theft resolution services to its policyholders.Regardless of how you have coverage, "contact the company to learn their procedures for filing a claim that can help you cover the costs of rebuilding your financial life," Stern says.4. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.Now it's time to follow up with the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – and request a fraud alert be placed on your account. The fraud alert stays on your credit report for a year, and it notifies any institution that pulls your credit report to the fact your identity may be compromised. The alert should prompt creditors to take an extra step to verify the identity of the person opening the account. You only have to request a fraud alert from one of the credit bureaus and that company should notify the other two firms. Requesting a fraud alert is free.5. Freeze your credit.For an added layer of protection, you can initiate a credit freeze which will completely cut off access to your credit report. That means the credit bureaus won't share your report with anyone who requests it. You'll need to contact each bureau individually to request they freeze your credit. The process is free, and Tanenbaum recommends freezing credit reports for children as well since they too can be victims of identity theft.6. Sign up for a credit monitoring service, if offered.If your information was accessed in a data breach, you may be offered complimentary credit monitoring. These services watch credit reports for suspicious activity and send alerts whenever a new account is opened.If you aren't offered free credit monitoring, you can sign up for a reputable service yourself. LifeLock, one popular provider, has plans ranging from a $9.99 a month standard plan for Social Security number and credit alerts to a $29.99 per month service that will watch bank and 401(k) account as well as look for any crimes committed in your name. Both come with reimbursement for stolen funds. Pricing is good for the first year and increases in the second year.Other options include Complete ID plans available through warehouse club Costco for $8.99 to $13.99 a month and PrivacyGuard which charges $1 for the first 14 days and then $9.99 to $24.99 per month after that. Plan benefits vary by company.7. Tighten security on your accounts.Cybersecurity experts are quick to point out that most people don't practice what they call good password hygiene. "Most people never change their password," Tanenbaum says. Even worse, they use the same passwords or a close variation on every site.Using a password manager is an easy way to ensure all your accounts have strong passwords. These services generate passwords that cannot be easily guessed and then store and autofill them on websites so users don't need to remember each one.LastPass offers a free password manager for one user. The company also has a premium plan for $3 a month that includes file storage and priority support services. Tanenbaum likes Dashlane, which also has a free version as well as a $4.99 per month premium service that includes a VPN for encrypted web browsing while on public Wi-Fi.Other ways to avoid future instances of identity theft include shredding documents with personal information, not carrying your Social Security number in your wallet and not clicking on links in emails from suspicious or unknown senders. Delete any personal information such as addresses and phone numbers of public profiles on social media and other sites. Whenever offered, enable two-factor authentication, which will require both a password and a code delivered via email, text or phone for access to an account.[8. Review your credit reports for mystery accounts.Whether you're a victim of credit card fraud or a stolen identity, you need to check your credit reports for any accounts you may not recognize. By law, you're entitled to at least one free credit report from each agency each year. While plenty of websites and creditors promise free credit reports, the official site to request them is Annual Credit Report.com - Home Page.9. Scan credit card and bank statements for other unauthorized charges.Pull up your other accounts and scan old statements for other charges you don't recognize. "Identity thieves may start with charges or withdrawals as small as $1 to test the waters," Stern says.Don't forget to review dormant or infrequently used accounts as well. If you find unknown charges, call the financial institution to alert them of the problem and request the account be locked or closed.10. Open new credit cards and financial accounts.Identity theft victims should talk to their financial institutions to determine how best to avoid further damage. It most cases, that will involve closing and reopening accounts, even ones that haven't been compromised. It can be a tedious process, but a necessary one to avoid a thief from gaining future control of your money.