Being the victim of a hack can be highly distressing and cause serious concern. Fortunately, you are not alone. There are several steps you can take to minimize the damage and obtain the right assistance. Below we outline the options available and the actions you may consider taking.
Visit www.fraudehelpdesk.nl to report what has happened. You will receive tailored advice on which authorities can best assist you. The website also provides practical guidance on various scenarios, such as identity fraud, leaked copies of identification documents, or phishing attacks.
Cybercrime is a criminal offense. By filing a report, you contribute to the investigation and formally establish that you are a victim. This documentation is crucial, particularly if you later encounter identity fraud, as it demonstrates both the origin of the problem and that you took immediate action.
The website www.veiliginternetten.nl offers practical advice on managing digital security incidents. Examples include stolen banking credentials, misuse of personal data, or blackmail involving sensitive information.
Through the police website (www.politie.nl/informatie/checkjehack.html), you can verify whether your email address was involved in a known data breach. This can help you assess risks, explain suspicious emails, and decide whether to discontinue using certain addresses for important matters.
If your personal data has been exposed, immediately change your passwords and notify people in your network. For example, if your social media profile has been hijacked or your email account misused, informing others can prevent them from becoming victims as well.
You may also consider legal remedies. These include filing a claim for damages (for instance through a class action) or submitting a complaint with the supervisory authority, such as the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens).
Final note. A hack can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. By seeking the right support, you can prevent or at least limit further harm.
Please contact Michelle Wijnant, Attorney at Law – IT, Privacy & Cybersecurity.
Would you like to receive a monthly overview of updates and blog articles? Subscribe to our newsletter.
