A proposed class action lawsuit alleges that approximately 2.9 billion people may have had their personal information hacked, with reports indicating that the breach may have compromised valuable data such as full names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and information on relatives. The breach allegedly occurred in April 2024 when a background check company, National Public Data, failed to properly safeguard the information it had scraped. The company, which provides instant search access to billions of records, is owned by Jerico Pictures Inc. Neither National Public Data nor Jerico Pictures has commented on the allegations. Experts warn that if the breach is confirmed, it could potentially affect everyone and highlight the vulnerability of personal information in the digital age.
However, the extent of the breach may not be as far-reaching as initially reported. Factors such as multiple records per individual being compromised or other countries being affected could impact the total number of people impacted. Additionally, much of the leaked information may have already been available elsewhere, which could lessen the severity of the breach. Despite this, experts emphasize the need for heightened awareness and vigilance among consumers, especially in light of previous massive data breaches that have affected millions of individuals.
Experts urge consumers to remain proactive in protecting their personal information by freezing their credit reports, which can limit access to their records and prevent unauthorized access to credit. This step is especially crucial if individuals suspect that their data may have been compromised in a breach. Freezing credit reports can be done quickly and for free by submitting requests to the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. While the freeze can limit access to credit reports, it does not completely block them, so certain companies and circumstances will still have access to the information.
Consumers are advised to exercise caution when freezing their credit or engaging in any online security measures to prevent falling victim to phishing attacks or other fraudulent activities. In addition to freezing credit, individuals are encouraged to use strong and unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and consider using password managers to enhance the security of their online accounts. Dark web monitoring services can also provide an additional layer of protection by notifying individuals when their information is compromised, although it may not prevent identity theft from occurring. Overall, maintaining a proactive approach to safeguarding personal data is essential in an era marked by increasing incidents of data breaches and cyber threats.
