Hey there, San Diego! If you haven’t heard, National Public Data dropped some heavy news in September 2024: a hacker got their hands on personal records for millions of people. We’re talking names, email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and even Social Security numbers—up to 2.9 billion records out there in the wild! Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your business.
What Went Down?
National Public Data, a company that specializes in providing consumer data for background checks and other records, was hacked. The breach seems to have kicked off back in December 2023, when a third-party hacker started poking around.
Fast forward to April, when a cybercriminal calling themselves “USDoD” leaked the stolen data online in some shady corners of the internet. By August 6, that dataset was being shared for free across various forums.
Yikes!
The compromised data isn’t just a random collection—it includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, even for folks who have passed away. And while the official notice mentioned around 1.3 million records might be affected, some lawsuits suggest it could be as many as 2.9 billion. Talk about a mess!
Experts are still digging into this, and they’ve found some inaccuracies in the data. But even if much of it is already public info, having it all in one spot is a big red flag.
So, Why Should You Care?
You might think, “Hey, I can find most of this info online anyway.” But here’s the catch: having it all in one place makes it super easy for bad actors to use this info to apply for credit cards, loans, or open new bank accounts in your name. Plus, details like your childhood street or the last four digits of your Social Security number often come up in security questions, making it easier for hackers to break into your accounts.
Experts warn we might see a spike in phishing and smishing (SMS phishing) attacks because of this breach. So, it’s time to be on high alert!
Can You Be Affected?
Absolutely! Even if you’ve never interacted with National Public Data, other businesses, landlords, or organizations might have used their services to dig up info on you. Your data could be out there without you even knowing it.
What Should You Do to Protect Yourself?
Step 1: Check if Your Data is Exposed.
Use tools like this breach checker to see if your info has been compromised. If it has, take action fast!.
Step 2: Get Your Credit Report and Freeze It.
One of the best defenses against identity theft is freezing your credit and setting up alerts. This stops criminals from opening new accounts in your name. Just reach out to the big three credit bureaus—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian—and request a freeze. It’s free and takes about 10 minutes per site. If you’ve got others in your household over 18, freeze their credit too. Everyone with a Social Security number is at risk after a breach like this.
Once you’ve got your credit report, check it for anything weird. And remember to set up alerts and review your credit regularly.
Step 3: Stay Wary of Phishing Scams.
As mentioned earlier, watch out for scams through phone calls, texts, emails, and even social media. Be cautious and skeptical—better safe than sorry!
Data breaches are a bummer for everyone involved, from businesses to customers. As a business owner, it’s your job to make sure you’re taking all the right steps to protect your company and its data. If you want to do a thorough assessment to find out if your info is out there or if your network is vulnerable, we’re offering a FREE Security Risk Assessment. This deep dive will give you a clear roadmap for improving your security.
To book yours, just call us at 619-752-1620 or click here.
Stay safe, San Diego!
