In a shocking data breach, hackers have reportedly stolen the Social Security numbers and other personal information of nearly every American, as well as millions of individuals in Canada and the U.K. The theft, which occurred in April, was orchestrated by a hacking group known as USDoD, according to a class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The group allegedly stole the data from National Public Data, a company that provides personal information for background checks to employers, private investigators, and other entities. Initially, the hackers attempted to sell the data for $3.5 million but have since posted a majority of it for free on a notorious online platform for stolen data.
The exposed information includes names, mailing addresses, and Social Security numbers, with some records containing additional details like aliases. Disturbingly, none of this data was encrypted, making it easily accessible to anyone who obtains it.
Public advocates are warning that this breach could lead to a surge in identity theft, as the personal information of nearly three billion people has been compromised. The potential fallout from this breach is unprecedented, with the stolen data now circulating freely online.
What Should You Do?
Experts strongly advise freezing your credit files with the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—as an immediate step to protect yourself. A credit freeze prevents others from opening new financial accounts in your name, which is a common tactic in identity theft. However, if you need to apply for credit, you will have to temporarily lift the freeze.
It’s also crucial to be wary of unsolicited emails claiming to be from credit bureaus or offering protection services, as these could be scams aimed at further exploiting the situation. Consider fee-based services that monitor your accounts and the dark web for any suspicious activity related to your personal information.
The breach underscores the critical need for better data security practices and raises questions about the responsibilities of companies like National Public Data in protecting sensitive information. As the fallout from this breach unfolds, individuals are urged to take immediate steps to safeguard their personal information and remain vigilant against potential identity theft.
