What to do if your data was leaked in the National Public Data leak
In light of recent major breaches involving AT&T and Ticketmaster, another significant cyberattack has surfaced, potentially compromising the personal information of nearly 3 billion individuals. The latest breach involves National Public Data, a background check company owned by Jerico Pictures, which is reportedly the target of a cybercriminal group known as USDoD, as reported by Bloomberg Law.
Scope of the Breach The personal data of 2.9 billion people, including full names, addresses (past and present), and Social Security numbers, is believed to have been exposed. This information is said to be up for sale on the dark web for $3.5 million, according to a lawsuit filed in Florida’s Southern District Court. Victims have not yet been officially notified by National Public Data about the breach, with one plaintiff only learning of it through an identity theft protection service alert.
Despite repeated requests, National Public Data and Jerico Pictures have not responded to CNET’s inquiries for comment.
Rising Concerns Over Data Breaches Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, with over 1,500 incidents reported in the first half of 2024 alone, impacting around 1 billion people, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. If you’re concerned about your data or wish to take proactive steps to protect your identity, here’s what you can do.
Steps to Protect Your Identity After a Data Breach
1. Change Your Passwords If your data has been compromised, the first step is to change your password for the affected accounts. If you use the same password across multiple accounts, update those as well. A unique password for each account is crucial. To manage them all, consider using a password manager.
2. Beware of Phishing and Smishing Cybercriminals may attempt to use the stolen data for phishing or smishing attacks to obtain more personal information. Be cautious about clicking on links in emails or text messages, and never provide sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank details unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity.
3. Sign Up for Identity Theft Protection Consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service, which can range from $7 to $15 per month. Services like Aura, a top pick by CNET, monitor the dark web and your financial activities for any signs of fraud. If your identity is stolen, these services often include recovery assistance and insurance for stolen funds.
4. Freeze Your Credit Freezing your credit with the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—can prevent cybercriminals from opening new accounts in your name. While you’ll need to unfreeze it whenever you apply for new credit, the added security is often worth the hassle.
5. Monitor Your Credit Reports If you prefer not to freeze your credit, you can still download a free credit report weekly from each of the major credit bureaus. Regularly review these reports for any unauthorized accounts or activities. You might also consider a credit monitoring service, which can alert you to any new accounts opened in your name. Additionally, make it a habit to check your bank statements for fraudulent charges.
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