National Public Data Confirms Massive Data Breach Affecting Millions<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In September 2024 and Social Security numbers of up to 2.9 billion people. Here's what you need to know:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

What Happened?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

National Public Data when a third-party bad actor attempted to gain access.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

In April 2024 making it accessible for anyone to download.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The released sensitive alternate names.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

An official data breach notice filed in Maine indicated that 1.3 million records might have been breached; however some lawsuits suggest that as many as 2.9 billion records have been exposed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

As the investigation continues most of it is already public and easy to find online.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Why Is This Breach Dangerous?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Even though much of the information can be found with a quick Google search or open new bank accounts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Information such as childhood street names or the last four digits of your Social Security number are often answers to security questions and can help hackers bypass authentication to access your private accounts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Some cyber experts suggest watching for a surge in phishing and smishing (phishing over SMS) attacks as well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Can You Be Affected Even If You've Never Heard of National Public Data?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Yes! Even if you haven't interacted with them may have used their resources to gather information on you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

What Should You Do to Protect Yourself?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Step 1: Check if Your Data Has Been Exposed<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Use tools like https:\/\/npd.pentester.com\/<\/a> to find out if your information has been compromised. If so take immediate action.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Step 2: Request a Copy of Your Credit Report and Freeze Your Credit<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

One of the best ways to protect your identity is to freeze your credit and set up alerts. This prevents criminals from opening new lines of credit in your name. Contact all three major credit bureaus—Equifax and Experian—and request a freeze.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The process is free and should take less than 10 minutes per site to complete. If others in your household are over 18 it's a good idea to freeze their credit too. Anyone with a Social Security number is vulnerable following a breach of this size.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Once you have a copy of your free credit report review it for any unauthorized activity. Don't forget to set up alerts and review your credit regularly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Step 3: Watch Out for Phishing Scams<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Many cybercriminals will try to leverage this information to scam you through phone calls and even social media sites. Be cautious!<\/p>\r\n\r\n

A data breach is devastating for everyone involved - the\r\nbusiness hacked and the customers or employees whose data is leaked. As a\r\nbusiness owner sidebar-content"":""

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