In April, a hacking group gained access to records from National Public Data (NPD), a background check service, potentially exposing billions of personal information records. NPD confirmed the security incident resulted in a leak of personal data, including social security numbers for millions of individuals. The compromised information included names, email addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and mailing addresses. NPD recommended taking steps such as freezing credit and putting fraud alerts on files at major credit bureaus to safeguard identities.
After a class-action lawsuit was filed in August in U.S. District Court in Florida, the breach came to public attention. The hacking group, identified as USDoD, claimed to have billions of NPD records for sale since April. However, security researchers noted that some of the claims made by the hackers were exaggerated. David Brumley, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, highlighted the increasing popularity of such breaches with the centralization of data. He stressed the need for higher standards for data custodians in the future to prevent such incidents.
National Public Data did not disclose the number of individuals at risk due to the breach. To check if your social security information may have been compromised, NPD has not notified specific individuals about the breach. They are working with law enforcement to review affected records, but individuals can take steps to protect their information. Safeguarding measures include freezing credit and placing fraud alerts with major credit bureaus. It is essential to monitor financial accounts and be cautious of any suspicious activity that may indicate identity theft.
The breach at NPD highlights the importance of data security and the potential risks associated with centralized data storage. With the increasing frequency of cyberattacks and data breaches, individuals must remain vigilant in protecting their personal information. Cybersecurity experts warn that such incidents may become more common without stricter standards for data custodians. By taking proactive steps to secure personal information and monitoring for any signs of identity theft, individuals can reduce their vulnerability to data breaches and cyber threats.
In response to the breach, NPD has recommended steps for individuals to protect their information and monitor for any signs of compromise. By freezing credit, placing fraud alerts, and monitoring financial accounts, individuals can reduce the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to their personal data. The breach at NPD serves as a reminder of the importance of data security and the need for heightened vigilance in safeguarding personal information in an era of increasing cyber threats.
