More Personal Data Compromised

Data breaches are nothing new, but recently as many as 2.9 billion records were affected after National Public Data suffered a massive data breach. Names, mailing addresses, email addresses and social security numbers were included in the breach affecting millions of Americans.

National Public Data is a background check company and confirmed the breach. “In an official data breach notice filed in Maine, National Public Data indicated 1.3 million records may have been breached”, said James E. Lee, chief operating officer at Identity Theft Resource Center, a non-profit organization focused on mitigating risks of identity breaches and theft. “It is entirely possible that it is that low; it’s also entirely possible it’s higher,” Lee said of the number of people affected. According to their website their data was hacked in December with potential leaks in April and over the summer.

Lee also indicated several cyber groups have set-up websites to allow individuals to search to see if their personal data was affected by the breach: National Public Data (NPD) Breach Check & Search (npdbreach.com) and NPD Breach Check – Pentester.com. The first requires you to enter your full name and zip code, Social Security Number or phone number while the second allows for search by first name, last name, state, and birth year. While I found these websites listed on several credible website I would not recommend entering your Social Security Number.

As a victim of identity theft, I know the impact it can have on individuals. In my case my social security number was used to file a false unemployment claim. ?After reporting the situation to the FTC and filing a local police report, one of the first steps I took was to place a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and Transunion so new accounts or credit cards could be opened in my name. I also requested a PIN to be used to file my annual tax return, and for my own peace of mind I created a LifeLock account to monitor and alert me of any suspicious activity.

I’ve provided a link toa USA Today article that includes phone numbers for the to the credit bureaus and tips for reporting fraud to the FTC and your local police department. ?Social security number hack: National Public Data confirms data breach (usatoday.com)

Meet The Author: Troy Burke

With 30 years of experience providing clients with stellar service and strategic solutions for growth and development, Troy is committed to ensuring his customers receive the highest quality solution, training and support with every implementation. He frequently speaks on the topic of redaction and is actively involved with the National Association of Court Management, Property Records Industry Association and several other government organizations.