EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — After Rhode Island's online portal for social services was hacked by cybercriminals, potentially jeopardizing the private data of hundreds of thousands of residents, state leaders have been urging people to take steps to protect themselves. How to protect your personal data after RI cyberattack But despite those directives, many Rhode Islanders still have questions about what they should be doing and how to go about doing it. Below are some commonly asked questions, including those submitted through 12 Responds. Be sure to check back, since more questions will be added as we get answers to them. How do I know if I'm affected? While the extent of the breach is still being investigated, Rhode Island officials have said there's a "high probability" that personal information, including Social Security and bank account numbers, has been exposed for anyone who's utilized the RIBridges system over the past eight years. RIBridges is an online portal for the following state programs: ► Medicaid► Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)► Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)► Rhode Island Works (RIW)► General Public Assistance (GPA) Program ► Health coverage purchased through HealthSource RI► Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)► Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)  ► At HOME Cost Share Who do I contact to get help? The state is directing people to a website — cyberalert.ri.gov — and has created a hotline for those who may be affected by the cyberattack. The hotline is (833) 918-6603 and will be available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. If a reference number is requested, it’s B137035. However, the hotline can only provide general information right now. Representatives aren't able to tell callers if their own information has been compromised. Any senior citizens in need of help can also call the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at (401) 462-4444. What should I be doing to protect my data? The governor's office is advising anyone who may be affected to change and strengthen their passwords, then take these steps: Freeze your credit Order a free credit report Place a fraud alert on your files Use multi-factor authentication on your accounts Stay alert LEARN MORE: How to protect your personal data after RI cyberattack Is there a $10 fee for a credit freeze with all three agencies? "No, it's absolutely free. So, I recommend that you go do that today," cybersecurity expert Patrick Laverty told 12 News. "If the hackers try to open a new account -- let's say they try to take out a loan, they try to open a credit card account -- then the bank is going to contact those credit agencies and they won't be able to ruin your credit," Laverty explained. The credit bureaus to call are: Equifax: 1-888-298-0045 Experian: 1-888-397-3742 TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 What good is putting a freeze on your credit if the hackers can use your personal information to override it? Since that is a possibility, Laverty strongly recommends keeping a close eye on your credit in addition to requesting the freeze. You can ask for a credit report from any of those three bureaus or request a free report online. Can I still use my health insurance? HealthSource RI (HSRI) Director Lindsay Lang said existing 2024 coverage is not affected by the breach, so customers can still access their health insurance for appointments and prescriptions. How do I enroll in health insurance or make a payment? The open enrollment period for 2025 runs through Jan. 31. Those who enrolled and paid by Dec. 12 are all set for next year, according to Lang. Anyone who needs to make a payment for 2025 coverage can do so in person or over the phone at 1-855-840-4774. There’s also a 24-hour dropbox available at 401 Wampanoag Trail in East Providence, and payments can also be made at standalone CVS locations. (Those located inside stores like Target are excluded.) As for those who still need to sign up for 2025 coverage, there are steps you can take to prepare for when the system comes back online. Lang said HSRI staff can help you review the different plan options and answer questions about cost, eligibility and the application process. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW