The personal information of billions of individuals has now reportedly been exposed as a result of a massive recent data breach, which has now become one of the most significant cyber security incidents in recent memory.
Sensitive data, including names, Social Security numbers, and addresses, were compromised in the incident, which affected a large national public database. As a result, a large number of people could now be subject to identity theft and fraud.
It is suspected that the cybercriminal organization USDoD has conducted a cyberattack against National Public Data, a background check company owned by Jerico Pictures.
The attack is purported to have compromised the personal data of 2.9 billion individuals. A recent lawsuit filed in the Southern District Court of Florida alleges that attackers have obtained personal data, including full names, current and prior addresses (dating back decades), and Social Security numbers.
The specifics of the data breach are still unknown; however, the massive trove of data was listed for sale on the dark web in April for $3.5 million..
The breach now has the potential to expose billions of records by affecting a vast public database. The potential consequences for those affected are substantial, as personal information, including residential addresses, financial details, and Social Security numbers, could now all be at risk.
Actions you can take right now to protect yourself:
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Set Up Fraud Alerts: By placing a fraud alert on your credit report, you can warn potential creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening any new accounts.
- Use Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider enrolling in a service that monitors your personal information and alerts you to suspicious activity.
In addition to these measures, you can also take a more long term approach:
- Change Your Passwords and keep them complex: Update passwords for all your online accounts, particularly those related to financial institutions. Use complex passwords and avoid reusing them across different sites.
- Secure Your Devices: Ensure that your devices are protected with up-to-date antivirus software and that you use secure connections.
What to do If you’ve been hit by the attack:
- Report Identity Theft: If you suspect your information has been misused, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and follow their guidance on protecting yourself.
- Monitor Your Credit Report: Regularly review your credit report for any suspicious activity. The major credit bureaus are all required to provide free annual credit reports
It is imperative to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard your personal information in light of the extensive nature of this breach.
In addition to the aforementioned methods, individuals can reduce the risks associated with this significant data compromise by staying informed about new potential schemes, securing their data, and monitoring their accounts.
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