Excerpt from Los Angeles Times Article, Published on Aug 19, 2024.
A recent data breach at National Public Data, a Florida-based company, may have exposed millions of Americans’ Social Security numbers (SSNs), putting them at risk of identity theft. This incident has left many concerned about their personal information and looking for ways to safeguard their identities.
The breach, first claimed by the hacking group USDoD in April, reportedly involved the theft of personal records for 2.9 billion people. These records include full names, addresses, dates of birth, SSNs, and phone numbers. The hackers even offered to sell this data for $3.5 million. National Public Data resisted acknowledging the breach for months but recently posted a notice confirming the data theft, which they believe occurred in late December 2023.
National Public Data has now admitted that more personal data, including email addresses, was compromised. Email addresses are particularly valuable to fraudsters as they can be used in phishing attacks to steal passwords or install malware. This breach highlights the increased risk of identity theft and fraud for those affected.
To determine if your information was compromised, cybersecurity company Pentester has provided a free tool to check for exposed personal data on the dark web. National Public Data has also stated that they will notify individuals of any significant developments applicable to them. However, the only notice currently available is on their website, advising people to take preventive measures to minimize potential harm.
If you suspect your SSN was leaked, follow these steps to protect yourself: Regularly review your financial accounts for any unauthorized activity. Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to place a free fraud alert on your accounts. After placing a fraud alert, request a free credit report and check for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries, which could indicate identity theft. Consider placing a freeze on your credit files with the three major credit bureaus to prevent criminals from opening accounts in your name, although you will need to lift the freeze temporarily if you apply for credit. Lastly, ensure all your online accounts use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
National Public Data advises taking these steps to prevent and detect any misuse of your information. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can help protect yourself from potential identity theft and fraud.
To delve deeper into this topic, please read the full article on Los Angeles Times.
