Americans are at heightened risk after a massive hack led to the theft of billions of Social Security numbers. National Public Data, a Florida-based company, had sensitive information for nearly three billion people stolen by a hacking group, according to a report by The Los Angeles Times this week.
The stolen data, which includes full names, addresses, birth dates, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, is now reportedly for sale on the dark web.
Social Security Number Hack: How to Know if Your Number Was Stolen
The hacking group, known as USDoD, claimed responsibility for stealing the records of 2.9 billion people from National Public Data, a company that provides personal information to businesses and private investigators for background checks. The breach allegedly occurred in April, and the group is said to be selling the information for $3.5 million.
If your Social Security number is compromised, you are at significant risk of identity theft. In some cases, criminals have been able to access bank accounts by using stolen Social Security numbers and email addresses.
Blair Cohen, Founder & President of AuthenticID, noted, “What we’ve seen thus far in 2024 is that identity crime will continue to hit record highs, targeting both businesses and consumers.
With the proliferation of new, generative AI-powered tools for fraudsters, businesses and consumers alike face a significant challenge in the form of breaches and business attacks.”
Although there’s no definitive way to determine if your Social Security number has been stolen, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. One effective measure is to freeze your credit files with major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This can prevent criminals from taking out loans or signing up for credit cards in your name.
Additionally, identity theft protection services like Identity Guard and LifeLock can alert you if your data has been compromised, and many of these services are free of charge.
Joseph Harisson, CEO of IT Companies Network, advises those affected to “stay vigilant. Watch for unexpected communications, monitor your credit report, consider fraud alerts, and update passwords.”
To protect yourself further, ensure you have strong, frequently updated passwords for all your accounts. Enabling two-factor authentication for your banking and personal accounts can also help prevent unauthorized access.
Regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts can help you quickly spot any suspicious activity. If you suspect your information has been stolen, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov website to apply for a personal recovery plan. You should also notify the Internal Revenue Service to prevent criminals from filing tax returns in your name.
The Internet Complaint Center also provides a platform to file a complaint online if you believe your data has been compromised.
Alex Hamerstone, the advisory solutions director for TrustedSec, stressed the importance of companies strengthening their IT security as data breaches become more common.
“IT systems should be set up so that an attacker can’t get in with just an employee’s credentials,” Hamerstone told Newsweek. “Multifactor authentication is absolutely vital, especially at a time when ransomware attacks are hitting companies left and right. This should always be used.”
Conclusion
As data breaches continue to rise, Americans need to take proactive measures to protect their personal information. Regularly monitoring accounts, utilizing identity theft protection services, and securing your digital presence with strong passwords and two-factor authentication are essential steps in safeguarding against identity theft.
Q1. What information was stolen in the recent Social Security breach?
A. The stolen data includes Social Security numbers, full names, addresses, birth dates, and phone numbers.
Q2. Who was responsible for the data breach at National Public Data?
A. The hacking group USDoD claimed responsibility for stealing the records of 2.9 billion people from National Public Data.
Q3. How can I protect myself if my Social Security number was stolen?
A. You can freeze your credit files with major credit bureaus, use identity theft protection services, and enable two-factor authentication for your accounts.
Q4. What should I do if I suspect my personal information has been stolen?
A. Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov website to apply for a personal recovery plan and notify the IRS to prevent fraudulent tax filings.
Q5. Why is it important to monitor your credit report regularly?
A. Regularly monitoring your credit report helps you quickly detect any unauthorized activity, allowing you to take immediate action.
