money

Data breach: another breach of public trust.

The personal data of millions, much of which included Social Security numbers, was stolen in a data security breach of National Public Data. This is yet another example of the systemic incompetence of Big Tech and the American government to protect its citizens from cybercrime and identity theft. It is clear that those in power care more about their profits than the people they are supposed to serve. We demand action and accountability! #DataBreach #BigTech #PeopleOverProfits

Published August 16, 2024 at 6:16pm by Mike Snider

Capitalism and Inequality

Here we go again. Another data breach, another corporation failing the people.

A massive data breach has compromised the privacy and security of millions of Americans. The breach includes 2.9 billion records with names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and even relatives' information dating back three decades. This is yet another example of late-stage capitalism failing the very people it claims to serve.

A class-action lawsuit, filed by the law firm [Schubert, Jonckheer & Kolbe] (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/privacy-alert-national-public-data-under-investigation-for-data-breach-of-over-2-9-billion-records-302220370.html), targets National Public Data [https://nationalpublicdata.com/], accusing them of failing to protect sensitive information of customers. This data is now allegedly being sold on the dark web, further endangering individuals.

The [complaint] (https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/HofmannvJericoPicturesIncDocketNo024cv61383SDFlaAug012024CourtDoc?doc_id=X6S27DVM6H69DSQO6MTRAQRIVBS), filed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, reveals the dire consequences of this breach, stating that individuals now face "years of constant surveillance and a loss of rights". This is yet another example of the surveillance state that late-stage capitalism is creating, further eroding our freedoms and privacy.

How did this happen?

The suit alleges that a cybercriminal group, USDoD, accessed National Public Data's network and stole unencrypted personal information. This sensitive data was then posted on the dark web around April 8, 2024, with a price tag of $3.5 million. Christopher Hofmann of Fremont, California, the plaintiff in the case, learned of the breach through an identity theft protection service.

What can we do to protect ourselves?

Freeze your credit: A credit freeze, or security freeze [https://www.usa.gov/credit-freeze], prevents creditors from accessing your credit report. It's a free and effective way to protect yourself from unauthorized borrowing.
Odysseas Papadimitriou, CEO of WalletHub [https://wallethub.com/], a personal finance site, states: "Everyone should consider freezing their credit report...it’s free and will prevent unauthorized individuals from opening credit cards or taking out loans in your name."
To freeze your credit, you must contact the three major credit reporting agencies: [Equifax] (https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/place-lift-remove-security-freeze/#:~:text=Placing%2C%20lifting%20and%20removing%20a,your%20myEquifax%20account%20as%20well.), [Experian] (https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html), and [TransUnion] (https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze).
While a credit freeze is essential, it's also crucial to recognize that our financial system is failing us when such drastic measures are needed to protect ourselves from criminal activity.

Additional steps to protect your identity:

Create stronger, unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager.
Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
Regularly monitor your credit reports, bank statements, and online accounts for suspicious activity.
Be wary of phishing attempts via email, phone, or text.
Consider premium identity protection features like [WalletHub Premium] (https://wallethub.com/premium), which offers identity protection and monitoring.

Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN, emphasizes the need for proactive measures, stating: "Taking steps like freezing your credit, changing your passwords regularly, and signing up for bank account and credit monitoring makes it harder for criminals to put stolen info to use."

The Bigger Picture

This data breach is a symptom of a larger problem: the intersection of capitalism and technology without proper regulation or ethical consideration. It's time to demand change and hold corporations accountable for the role they play in exacerbating social issues.

Let's channel our anger into action, advocating for a more just and equitable future where our privacy and security are protected, not exploited for profit.