Massive Data Breach Exposes 2.9 Billion Social Security Numbers: Steps to Protect Yourself
A massive data breach has exposed 2.9 billion Social Security numbers. Learn how to protect your financial information with expert tips on credit freezes and monitoring.
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In a significant data breach, millions of people's personal information, including Social Security numbers, have reportedly been compromised following a massive hack on a background check company.
The breach, which occurred in April, allegedly involves National Public Data, a company owned by Jerico Pictures Inc., which is facing a proposed class action lawsuit. According to reports from USA Today, the company failed to secure the data it collected from various sources. This breach has potentially exposed as many as 2.9 billion records containing full names, current and previous addresses, Social Security numbers, and details about family members, including parents and siblings.
The hacker group USDoD is believed to be responsible for the attack, which targeted unencrypted personal data. Earlier this month, some of the stolen data was reportedly leaked for free on a popular hacking forum, as reported by tech website Bleeping Computer.
Bleeping Computer’s review of the leaked data confirmed that each record included sensitive information such as a person’s name, mailing addresses, and Social Security number. In some cases, additional details like other associated names were also exposed. Unfortunately, none of this data was encrypted, leaving it vulnerable to misuse.
How to Protect Yourself
In light of this breach, experts strongly recommend that you take immediate steps to protect your financial information. The first action you should take is to freeze your credit files at the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. A credit freeze prevents unauthorized individuals from using your information to apply for loans or credit cards. However, be aware that you will need to temporarily lift the freeze if you decide to apply for a new loan, credit card, or open a new account.
Additionally, it’s crucial to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited emails or text messages. Avoid clicking on any links from unknown sources, as these could be phishing attempts. Regularly monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity to ensure that your personal information has not been misused.
