The Social Security numbers of every American citizen may now be up for sale on the dark web. This could be the biggest data breach in history. The matter first surfaced about two weeks ago after a class action lawsuit was filed in Florida. National Public Data, the Florida-based company that was breached, said 1.3 million people were affected. But the lawsuit alleges that up to 2.9 billion records were stolen from consumers, living and dead, including their Social Security numbers. National Public Data acknowledged on its website that it was the target of what it called a “data security incident.” The company collects data to run background checks on consumers and job applicants. Cybersecurity companies across the country have reported finding billions of records for sale on the dark web in connection with the breach. If this is a worst-case scenario, then everyone’s Social Security numbers are out there. Has your information been compromised? Cybersecurity company Pentester said it has captured the entire list. You can check if your information is involved on their website. Visit npd.pentester.com. Protect yourselfThe best thing you can do to protect your information (if it has been leaked) is to freeze your credit report. “This is probably your best bet, as it ensures that no credit will be issued to you using the information in your credit report, and you should do this with each credit bureau,” says Christie Matherne of personal finance company WalletHub. The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Visit USA.gov to learn how to set up a security freeze. Closely monitor your financial accounts. If you notice any unauthorized activity, contact your financial institutions.
Every American’s Social Security number may now be for sale on the dark web.
This could be the biggest data breach in history.
The matter first came to light about two weeks ago after a class action lawsuit was filed in Florida.
National Public Data, the Florida-based company that was hit by the breach, said 1.3 million people were affected.
But the lawsuit alleges that the records of up to 2.9 billion consumers, both living and dead, were stolen, including Social Security numbers.
National Public Data confirmed on its website that it was the target of what it called a “data security incident.”
The company collects data to conduct background checks on consumers and job applicants.
Cybersecurity companies across the country have reported finding billions of people’s records for sale on the dark web in connection with the breach.
If this were the worst case scenario, it would mean that everyone’s Social Security numbers would be exposed.
Is your information at risk?
Cybersecurity firm Pentester said it had obtained the entire list.
You can check the company’s website to see if your information is involved: go to npd.pentester.com.
Protect yourself
The best thing you can do to protect your information if it has been leaked is to freeze your credit report.
“This is probably the best thing you can do because it ensures that credit isn’t granted based on the information in your credit report, and you should do this for each credit bureau,” said Christie Matherne of personal finance company WalletHub.
The three major credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Visit USA.gov to learn how to set up a security freeze.
Keep a close eye on your financial accounts, and if you notice any unauthorized activity, contact your financial institution.
