A massive data breach involving the exposure of personal information, including Social Security numbers, addresses, and more, has recently come to light. The breach is believed to have originated from National Public Data (NPD), a Florida-based company that provides personal information for background checks. While the exact source of the data remains unclear, complaints against the company suggest that the information may have been scraped from non-public sources. Despite efforts to reach out to the company for comment, no response has been received.
The breach has garnered the attention of Congress, with representatives from the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability requesting a briefing from NPD to assess the potential impacts of the breach and the company’s response. The data breach was first identified by cybersecurity company Hackmanac, which revealed that 2.9 billion records from individuals in the USA, Canada, and the UK were allegedly for sale. The leaked data spans from 2019 to 2024 and includes various personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and more.
In response to the breach, multiple lawsuits have been filed against NPD, with more expected to follow. These class action lawsuits allege that NPD failed to implement adequate security measures, leading to the exposure of sensitive personal information. While the exact number of affected accounts remains uncertain, estimates suggest that it could be in the billions. Identity theft is a significant concern following such a breach, as Social Security numbers are a prime target for bad actors looking to steal identities.
In light of the breach, individuals are advised to take steps to protect their personal information. This includes setting up online accounts with the Social Security Administration to monitor earnings history and benefits, as well as filing reports with the Federal Trade Commission and law enforcement if identity theft is suspected. Freezing credit with the major credit reporting agencies, monitoring accounts for suspicious activity, and changing passwords regularly are also recommended. Additionally, adding multi-factor authentication to online accounts can provide an extra layer of security.
Overall, the data breach involving NPD has raised significant concerns about the security of personal information and the potential impact on individuals’ identities. As investigations into the breach continue, affected individuals are urged to take proactive measures to safeguard their information and prevent identity theft. While the full extent of the breach and its consequences remain to be seen, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance in an increasingly digital world.
