Major Data Breach Exposes 2.9 Billion Records with Social Security Numbers

A recent data breach has potentially exposed the personal information of millions of Americans, including names, addresses, relatives, and critically, their Social Security numbers. The breach comprises 2.9 billion records, dating back three decades.

The Lawsuit:

A lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, alleges that National Public Data, a data aggregation and background search company, failed to adequately secure this sensitive information. As a result, a cybercriminal group, USDoD, accessed their network and stole the unencrypted data, which is now reportedly being offered for sale on the dark web.

Impact & Protection Advice:

Those affected by the breach now face a heightened risk of identity theft and financial fraud, underscoring the urgent need for improved data security measures.

Credit Freeze:

• Odysseas Papadimitriou, CEO of WalletHub, recommends a credit freeze as a critical first step. It's free to freeze your credit report with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and will prevent unauthorized borrowing.
• Papadimitriou adds, "If your Social Security number wasn't in the National Public Data breach, it probably was in a previous breach or will be soon... Savvy consumers need to make sure they are tough targets."

Other Measures:

• Strengthen passwords with unique, complex combinations and consider using a [password manager](https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/ columnist/kimkomando/2023/06/21/password-manager-lastpass-bitwarden-free/ 10697951002/).
• Enable [two-factor authentication](https://www.usatoday.com/story/ money/personalfinance/ 2022/03/15/what-two-factor- authentication-easy-ways-get-started/6996673002/) wherever possible.
• Regularly review credit reports, bank statements, and [online accounts](https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/ 2022/07/05/ account-takeover-attacks-herersquos-protect-online-accounts/ 8091443002/) for suspicious activity.
• Be vigilant against phishing attempts and scams via email, phone, or text.
• Consider investing in [identity protection services](https://www.usatoday.com/money/ blueprint/ credit-score/ identity-theft-protection- service/).

With data breaches becoming all too common, individuals must take proactive steps to safeguard their personal and financial information. It's not a matter of if, but when, our data will be compromised, and so we must be vigilant in making ourselves tough targets for fraudsters.

Original article by Mike Snider