A recent data breach at National Public Data, a background check company, has potentially exposed the Social Security numbers and personal information of millions of Americans. The breach, which was first revealed in a lawsuit filed in August 2024, has raised significant concerns about identity theft and financial fraud.
Key Takeaways
Millions of Americans' Social Security numbers and personal information may have been compromised.
The breach was discovered after a lawsuit was filed against National Public Data in August 2024.
Cybersecurity experts recommend immediate actions to protect personal information.
Details of the Breach
The breach at National Public Data was first made public through a lawsuit filed on August 1, 2024. The compromised data includes names, email addresses, Social Security numbers, and other personal information. The data was reportedly stolen by a hacking group known as USDoD, which initially attempted to sell the information for $3.5 million before leaking it on the dark web.
Scope of the Breach
The leaked data is believed to include 2.7 billion records, covering nearly every American. The information was unencrypted and included multiple records for many individuals, with details such as names, Social Security numbers, potential aliases, and all known physical addresses. While it is difficult to confirm if every American's data was included, the breach is likely to affect a vast majority of the population.
Immediate Actions to Take
Cybersecurity experts recommend several steps to safeguard your identity and personal information:
Freeze Your Credit: Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to freeze your credit. This prevents anyone from opening new lines of credit in your name.
Set Up Fraud Alerts: Place fraud alerts on your files at major credit bureaus to get notified of any suspicious activity.
Use Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts to add an extra layer of security.
Monitor Bank Accounts: Regularly check your bank accounts for any unauthorized transactions and set up account alerts.
Use Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider signing up for services that offer identity fraud protection and remove your personal information from public databases.
Expert Opinions
Alex Holden, Chief Information Security Officer for Hold Security, emphasized the severity of the breach, stating, "This is one of the biggest by volume exposure for us Americans and our data." He also highlighted the importance of good cybersecurity hygiene, such as changing passwords regularly and not clicking on suspicious links.
Legal and Corporate Response
National Public Data has acknowledged the breach and is working with law enforcement to review affected records. The company has also created a database in collaboration with a cybersecurity firm, Pentester, to allow individuals to check if their information was part of the breach. A class-action lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, seeking to hold the company accountable for the data breach.
The data breach at National Public Data serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and the potential risks associated with personal information being exposed. By taking immediate actions to protect your identity and staying vigilant, you can mitigate the potential negative impacts of this breach.
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Sources
Cybersecurity experts issue warnings after SSN breach at National Public Data, News Channel 5 Nashville.
Hackers may have leaked the Social Security Numbers of every American, Engadget.
Social security numbers exposed, cybersecurity expert weighs in, TMJ4 News.
Did Hackers Steal Every Social Security Number? Here's What To Do. - National Cybersecurity Alliance, National Cybersecurity Alliance.