In a massive data breach confirmed in September 2024, hackers accessed the personal records of millions of individuals through National Public Data, exposing names, emails, addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers. If your information is part of this breach, here's what you need to know and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Happened?
National Public Data, a major consumer data broker that provides background checks and public records, experienced a security breach that likely started in December 2023. The hacker, known as “USDoD,” initially leaked the stolen data online in April. By August 2024, the data was reposted across multiple forums, free for anyone to download.
While some of the compromised information might already be public, the real danger lies in having all your sensitive data in one place. Hackers can easily use this consolidated information for identity theft, including opening fraudulent credit accounts, applying for loans, or stealing your financial data.
Why Is This Breach Dangerous?
Even if you’ve never heard of National Public Data, your information may still be part of the breach. The company gathers data from a variety of sources, including consumer sites, background check providers, and even human resources departments. This breach could impact millions of people who have never directly interacted with National Public Data.
But what makes this situation so concerning? Hackers can now:
- Use your Social Security number to open fake bank accounts or credit cards.
- Leverage common security question answers (like former addresses or the last four digits of your SSN) to bypass account protections.
- Launch sophisticated phishing or smishing attacks, using your personal info to trick you into revealing more sensitive data.
What Should You Do to Protect Yourself?
- Check if Your Data Was Exposed
Use the online tool at https://npd.pentester.com to see if your information was compromised. If it has been, take immediate action to secure your accounts. - Freeze Your Credit
The most effective way to protect against identity theft is to freeze your credit. This prevents criminals from opening new lines of credit in your name. Contact all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) to set up a free credit freeze. It’s a quick process that can save you a lot of future headaches.
While you’re at it, request a copy of your credit report and review it for any unauthorized activity. Set up ongoing credit alerts to be notified if anything suspicious happens.
- Watch for Phishing Scams
In the coming months, cybercriminals will likely try to take advantage of this data leak by sending targeted phishing (via email) or smishing (via text) scams. Be extra cautious of any unexpected emails, phone calls, or text messages, especially if they ask for sensitive information or seem urgent. Double-check links before clicking, and never download attachments from unknown sources.
Why Proactive Security Matters
Data breaches like this one are devastating for both businesses and individuals. For business owners, it’s a reminder of how crucial it is to have strong cybersecurity measures in place. Even if your business wasn’t directly affected by this breach, the incident highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the need to stay vigilant.
If you’re concerned about your business’s data security, it might be time for a comprehensive Security Risk Assessment. Our team is offering a FREE assessment to help identify any vulnerabilities in your system and ensure your business is protected from future attacks.
