USDoD Hacker Group Steals Social Security Numbers
A hacker group has recently been linked to a data breach involving National Public Data (NPD), a company that collects and sells personal information for background checks.
This breach is notable for its scale, with reports indicating that the personal information of billions of individuals has been compromised.
USDoD Hackers Claim NPD Breach, Offer Billions of Records for Sale
In April 2024, in a class-action lawsuit filed against NPD in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the USDoD hacker group claimed responsibility for the hack and announced that they had stolen a vast database from NPD.
According to the lawsuit, USDoD gained access to NPD’s network before April 2024 and was able to “exfiltrate the unencrypted PII of billions of individuals” stored on NPD’s network.
They offered this database for sale on the dark web for $3.5 million. The data included sensitive information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and other personal details dating back over 30 years (some have been deceased for nearly 20 years). The hacker group also stated that the records contain information on U.S., Canadian, and British citizens.
Current Situation Of The USDoD Leak
As of now, investigations are ongoing. The lawsuit is based on claims that NPD failed to sufficiently protect sensitive consumer data, which affects many individuals who may not even be aware that their information was collected and stolen.
Currently, NPD has not confirmed the breach or the extent of the data that was stolen. However, the implications are serious; the individuals whose data was compromised face risks of identity theft and financial fraud.
Experts warn of possible long-term consequences and encourage people and businesses to take steps now to protect their personal information in case of a breach.
How To Protect Yourself From Data Breaches
With data breaches becoming more common, here are ways to protect your personal information.
Look Out For Phishing Scams & Secure Your Email
Be cautious of phishing scams, where scammers try to trick you into giving away personal information through fake emails or messages. Make sure your email account is secure by using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. This will help protect your information from unauthorized access.
Update Passwords & Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Regularly update your passwords to keep your accounts secure. Use unique, strong passwords for each account. Also, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) if you can. This adds an extra step to log in, making it harder for hackers to access your accounts.
Backup Your Data & Plan For Recovery
Make copies of your important files and store them in a safe place, like an external hard drive or offline storage. This way, if something happens to your computer or phone, you won’t lose your important information. Have a plan for how you’ll recover your data if it’s lost or stolen.
Place A Fraud Alert Or Credit Freeze
If your credit information has been compromised, place a fraud alert to warn creditors of potential identity theft, or consider a credit freeze to block new credit accounts from being opened in your name. Both measures can help protect your financial information and prevent further misuse.
Remove Personal Info From Data Brokers
Data brokers collect and sell personal information. To protect your privacy, find out which data brokers have your information and request to have it removed. This helps reduce the chance of your information being used without your consent.
FAQ
Was Every American Social Security Number Stolen?
No, not every American Social Security number was stolen during the USDoD leak. While a large number of records were compromised, check your information and monitor for any suspicious activity. If you’re concerned, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts for added protection.
Can Social Security Number Be Stolen?
Unfortunately, Social Security numbers can be stolen. They are valuable for identity theft and can be used to open accounts or commit fraud. Protect your Social Security number by keeping it secure and monitoring your accounts for any suspicious activity.
What If Hackers Have My Social Security Number?
If hackers have your Social Security number, act quickly! Check your accounts for suspicious activity and place a fraud alert or credit freeze. You may also report any unauthorized activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which aims to protect personal and consumer data. Also, consider contacting the Social Security Administration for further guidance.
When A Hacker Steals Information – What Should I Do?
If a hacker steals your personal and business information, report the theft and place a fraud alert immediately. With 2Secure’s help, you’ll detect and prevent such incidents with real-time monitoring and tools to safeguard your information and assist with recovery efforts.
