Massive Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers of Billions of U.S. Residents
In what could be the largest data breach in history, the Social Security numbers of nearly every American may now be up for sale on the dark web. The scale of this catastrophe is staggering, with up to 2.9 billion records reportedly stolen, affecting both the living and the deceased. This breach highlights just how vulnerable our most sensitive personal information truly is.
The Breach: What Happened?
Two weeks ago, a class action lawsuit filed in Florida revealed the full extent of this massive breach. National Public Data (NPD), the Florida-based company responsible, initially reported that 1.3 million people were impacted. However, the lawsuit claims that up to 2.9 billion records—including Social Security numbers of almost every U.S. resident—were stolen several months ago.
NPD collects data for background checks on consumers and job applicants, making this breach particularly alarming. Cybersecurity firms are now reporting that billions of personal records from this breach are being sold on the dark web, putting almost every American at risk.
Is Your Information at Risk?
Yes. You should assume that your information is at risk. For those that want confirmation, you can use this resource, but really – just know that you are most likely a part of this breach. Cybersecurity firm “Pentester” has captured the entire list of compromised data. You can check whether your information was involved by visiting npd.pentester.com For those who don’t like to click on links, just assume that your SSN has been compromised, as most people will be involved in this breach. Given the scale of this breach, it’s crucial to act now to protect yourself.
Why Social Security Numbers Are So Valuable
Your Social Security number is more than just a piece of identification—it’s the key to your financial identity. If compromised, it can be used by criminals to:
– Open New Credit Accounts: Fraudsters can use your SSN to open new credit lines, leaving you with debt and a damaged credit score.
– File Fraudulent Tax Returns: Criminals can file taxes in your name, claim a refund, and cause significant delays in processing your legitimate return.
– Access Medical Services: Your SSN can be used to receive medical treatments, leading to incorrect medical histories and financial liabilities.
– Commit Other Crimes: From applying for jobs in your name to engaging in other forms of identity theft, the misuse of your SSN can create endless problems.
Given these risks, the exposure of Social Security numbers in this breach demands immediate attention and action.
How to Protect Yourself
If your SSN has been compromised, here’s what you need to do:
1. Place a Credit Freeze:
Immediately place a freeze on your credit reports with the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This prevents new credit from being issued in your name. You can always unfreeze your accounts if needed, but this limits what the attackers can do.
2. Monitor Your Financial Accounts:
Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. If you see anything suspicious, contact your financial institution immediately.
3. Sign Up for Identity Theft Protection Services:
Consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service that monitors your Social Security number and alerts you to suspicious activity.
4. Update Your Passwords and Enable Multifactor Authentication:
Secure your online accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
5. Use a Password Manager:
A password manager can create, store, and manage strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, reducing the risk of using weak or reused passwords. Make sure you use a very long password for this password manager, as it holds all of your other passwords. By long, I mean like 35-40 characters (Examples of password managers are Bitwarden, 1Password, and Dashlane.)
6. File Your Taxes Early:
Filing your tax return early can help prevent criminals from filing in your name first. If you suspect tax fraud, contact the IRS and consider applying for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to add extra security to your tax account.
Take Control of Your Digital Identity
The National Public Data breach is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our personal information is. With Social Security numbers potentially in the hands of cybercriminals, it’s more important than ever to take action now. By freezing your credit, monitoring your accounts, updating your passwords, using a password manager with a strong password, enabling MFA, and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself from the severe consequences of identity theft.
Stay informed, stay protected, and take control of your digital identity today.