A huge data breach has rocked the world of personal information security. Four months ago, a notorious hacking group claimed they stole a massive amount of sensitive data from a major data broker. Now, a member of this group has leaked most of this stolen data for free on an online marketplace that deals in stolen information.
This breach involves Social Security numbers and other crucial personal details, potentially putting millions at risk for identity theft and fraud. Teresa Murray, a consumer protection expert, warns that this could be the worst data breach we’ve seen. “If this is as big as it seems, it’s a major wake-up call,” she says. “People who haven’t been careful should be especially concerned.”
The hacking group, known as USDoD, had claimed back in April that they stole records of 2.9 billion people from National Public Data (NPD), a company that provides personal details for background checks. They initially tried to sell this information for $3.5 million.
Recently, a hacker using the name Felice announced in an online forum that they were giving away the entire NPD database for free. This database includes about 2.7 billion records, each containing a person’s name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and phone number. This could lead to widespread identity theft and other crimes.
NPD hasn’t confirmed the breach officially. They’ve only said they are investigating the issue and have claimed to delete their database to protect people’s information. However, several cybersecurity experts have verified that some of the leaked data appears to be real.
So what does this mean for you? With such a massive leak, hackers could use the stolen information to take over bank accounts, create fake accounts in your name, or commit other forms of fraud. Even though the hackers didn’t get email addresses or ID photos, the data they did obtain is still extremely valuable for criminals.
To protect yourself, experts recommend a few key steps:
- Freeze Your Credit: This prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name. You can do this for free with the major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Consider using a service that watches your accounts and the dark web for suspicious activity. Some companies offer this for free if your data was involved in a breach.
- Use Strong Passwords: Make sure you use unique, strong passwords for each account. A password manager can help keep track of them.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone.
- Be Wary of Scams: Watch out for phishing attempts. Scammers might pose as your bank or other services to trick you into revealing more personal information. Always verify the source before clicking on links or providing information.
Experts like Murray warn that scammers are skilled at exploiting breaches like this. They might send fake messages claiming to help you deal with the breach, but they’re just trying to steal more information from you.
With this massive breach, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant and take steps to protect your personal information.
