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Another Day, Another Hack: Why We Need Free Universal Credit Monitoring

The USDoD has some explaining to do—2.9 billion people are demanding answers and justice! In an apparent breach of trust, personal records were stolen, exposing the depths of government overreach and digital insecurity. The people will not rest until those responsible are held accountable! This fight is for truth, transparency, and the digital safety of us all!

Published August 15, 2024 at 11:29am by Marley Malenfant

Capitalism Exploits Yet Again, People's Data Sold by Hacking Group

Another day, another data breach — this time, a hacking group called USDoD has allegedly stolen the personal data of 2.9 billion people, including their social security numbers. The hack, which happened around April 2024, was revealed in a class-action lawsuit filed in Florida. The stolen file, containing a whopping 277.1 gigabytes of data, was sold on the dark web for a mere $3.5 million. Yet another example of capitalism exploiting the vulnerable and preying on the innocent.

What Was Stolen?

National Public Data was subjected to a severe breach of security, resulting in the exposure of people's entire lives. The file included names, address histories, relatives, and Social Security numbers, dating back thirty years. This is an unimaginable invasion of privacy, leaving people vulnerable to fraud and identity theft.

Consequences and Actionable Steps

In the wake of this data disaster, people are urged to take control and protect their credit and personal information. Here are some fiery steps to fight against this capitalist data grab:

Credit Freeze Instructions:

1. Equifax:

Online: Go to the Equifax Credit Freeze page.
Phone: Call 1-800-685-1111.
Mail: Send your name, address, Social Security number, and proof of identity to Equifax, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348.

2. Experian:

Online: Visit the Experian Credit Freeze page.
Phone: Call 1-888-397-3742.
Mail: Mail your details to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.

3. TransUnion:

Online: Head to the TransUnion Credit Freeze page.
Phone: Dial 1-888-909-8872.
Mail: Post your info to TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094.

Credit Card Freeze Procedure:

Contact your card issuer, verify your identity, and freeze the card to prevent new charges or accounts.

Texan Attorney General's Office Tips:

Keep personal documents secure at home and work, and limit what you carry.
Never share sensitive info unless you initiate the contact and trust the requester.
Shred unnecessary documents with a "cross-cut" shredder to prevent identity theft.
For old devices, wipe all personal info before disposal, as per the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

Additional Data Protection Strategies:

1. Passwords:

Use strong, unique passwords with a mix of characters and a password manager.

2. Two-Factor Authentication:

Enable 2FA for an extra security layer.

3. Phishing Scams:

Be cautious of requests for personal info, and verify senders.

4. Software Updates:

Keep all software up-to-date for the latest protection.

5. Encrypted Connections:

Ensure websites use HTTPS, and consider a VPN for public Wi-Fi.

Mind what you share online, and regularly review and tighten privacy settings.

8. Device Security:

Lock devices with PINs, passwords, or biometrics, and encrypt stored data.

9. Public Wi-Fi Risks:

Avoid sensitive activities on public Wi-Fi, again, VPN is your friend.

10. Data Backups:

Regularly back up data to secure external drives or cloud services, with encryption.

Remember, your data is your property, and you have the right to keep it secure. Stay woke, folks!

— With contributions from USA TODAY