The National Public Data breach, which occurred in late December 2023, involved a third-party bad actor who hacked into the data and leaked stolen information on the dark web. This breach is estimated to have exposed nearly 3 billion personal records, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and mailing addresses. While the exact number of affected individuals is still unknown, it is believed to be in the millions. Two online security companies have created websites where individuals can check if their Social Security number was part of the stolen data.
In response to the data theft, National Public Data is cooperating with law enforcement and conducting a review of potentially affected records. The company stated that they will notify individuals if there are significant developments applicable to them and recommend monitoring financial accounts for unauthorized activity. If you suspect that your Social Security number has been stolen, you can take several steps to protect yourself, such as contacting the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov, the Internal Revenue Service, and filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
If you believe your Social Security number has been compromised, it is important to take immediate action to prevent further identity theft. Steps include monitoring credit reports for unusual activity, contacting the Social Security Administration, and considering applying for a new Social Security number if necessary evidence of misuse exists. To help prevent future identity theft, individuals are advised to secure their Social Security card, avoid sharing personal information online or through email, and regularly monitor financial statements for any unauthorized charges.
Identity theft can occur through various means, including physical theft of personal items, rummaging through trash for information, or phishing scams via phone calls, texts, or emails. Cyberattacks are also a common method of stealing personal data, where hackers use stolen usernames and passwords to access online accounts. To protect against these threats, individuals should safeguard their passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and verify the legitimacy of communication from official sources. It is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining the security of personal information to prevent identity theft.
