Credit monitoring is a service that watches credit files and related identity signals for unusual activity after a breach, then alerts the affected person. It can flag new account openings, hard inquiries, address changes, or other signs that someone may be using stolen personal information.
In cyber security, credit monitoring is a common breach-response measure when attackers may have exposed data that can support fraud, such as names, Social Security numbers, insurance details, or account credentials. It does not stop misuse, but it helps victims respond faster by freezing accounts, changing passwords, or disputing fraudulent activity. In healthcare incidents and other vendor-linked breaches, organizations often offer it to reduce downstream harm and show they are addressing identity risk, even when the full scope of exposure is still being investigated.