2.9 Billion Records, Including Social Security Numbers, Stolen in Data Hack: What You Need to Know
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A huge data breach may have exposed sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, for millions of people. The hacking group USDoD claims they stole personal records from National Public Data and may have already posted them for sale online, according to a report by The Los Angeles Times this week.
The breach, which reportedly happened around April, is now part of a class-action lawsuit filed in a U.S. court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. USDoD claims to have stolen the personal information of 2.9 billion people, raising serious concerns about the scale of the attack.
What Was Stolen?
The law firm Schubert, Jonckheer & Kolbe says the stolen data includes 277.1 gigabytes of information, such as names, addresses, relatives, and Social Security numbers, with some records going back over 30 years.
A cybersecurity expert on X (formerly Twitter) reported that USDoD is selling the 2.9 billion records on the dark web for $3.5 million. The data reportedly includes information from people in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Since April, other versions of the stolen data have appeared online, according to the cybersecurity site Bleeping Computer.
National Public Data is a background check company based in Florida, operated by Jerico Pictures, Inc. Although the company hasn’t confirmed the breach, The Los Angeles Times reported that they have told people they are aware of third-party claims about a data breach and are investigating.
USA TODAY has reached out to National Public Data for more information, but no further details have been provided yet.
What Should You Do If Your Information Was Stolen?
If you think your personal information might have been stolen in this data breach, here are a few things you can do to protect yourself from fraud or identity theft:
Update Your Antivirus Software: Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and scan your devices for any malware. Most antivirus programs can remove malware, but you might need professional help if the problem continues.
Change Your Passwords: Update your passwords for your bank, email, and other online accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, including a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Turn on two-factor authentication for extra security on accounts that offer this option.
Check Your Credit: Keep an eye on your credit report and report any suspicious activity. If you notice anything unusual, you can freeze your credit to prevent further issues.
Be Aware of Phishing Scams: Be careful with emails and messages asking for personal information. Scammers often disguise themselves as legitimate companies to trick people into giving away sensitive details.
As the investigation continues, experts advise staying alert and taking steps to protect your personal information.
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