Social Security Numbers Leaked in Massive Data Breach

In a shocking development, a recent lawsuit alleges a major data breach at National Public Data (NPD), a background check company. Hackers are believed to have accessed the personal information of billions of individuals, including Social Security numbers, addresses, and potentially more. This breach puts a significant portion of the US population at risk of identity theft and financial fraud.

The details surrounding the breach are still emerging. The lawsuit, filed in early August 2024, claims the hack occurred in April. A hacker group called USDoD is believed to have stolen the data, which was later leaked for free on the dark web.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you're an American citizen, this breach is a cause for concern. Even if your information wasn't directly compromised, the sheer volume of data leaked increases the risk for everyone. Here's what you can do to protect yourself:

• Lock or Freeze Your Credit: This is the single most effective way to prevent criminals from opening new accounts in your name. Freezing your credit prevents lenders from accessing your credit report without your permission, making it nearly impossible for them to approve fraudulent loans or credit cards. Learn more about freezing your credit here: How to place or lift a security freeze on your credit report | USAGov
• Monitor Your Credit Reports Regularly: Request free copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and scrutinize them for any suspicious activity. You can get a free credit report every year from Annual Credit Report.
• Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Criminals will often use stolen data to launch targeted phishing scams. Be cautious of emails, texts, or phone calls requesting personal information. Never click on suspicious links or attachments.

Staying Vigilant is Key

While a data breach of this magnitude is unsettling, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. By implementing the measures listed above and staying vigilant about your financial activity, you can significantly improve your chances of avoiding identity theft. Remember, knowledge is power. Familiarize yourself with the signs of identity theft and take action immediately if you suspect something is wrong.

Additional Resources:

• The Federal Trade Commission: IdentityTheft.gov (https://www.identitytheft.gov/)
• The National Cyber Security Alliance: Staysafeonline.org (https://staysafeonline.org/)