A hacking group, known as USDoD, has recently claimed to have stolen the personal records of a staggering 2.9 billion individuals, and there are allegations that they are now attempting to sell this sensitive information. This shocking news has sent ripples through the cybersecurity community and raised concerns about the safety and security of personal data.
Reports indicate that the breach occurred in April, when the group allegedly infiltrated the National Public Data, a service that provides information to employers and investigators for background checks. The stolen information is said to include names, addresses, birthdays, Social Security numbers, and phone numbers, posing a significant risk of identity theft and fraud for the affected individuals.
In a class-action lawsuit filed against the hacking group, details emerged about the extent of the breach and the potential consequences for the victims. Despite the gravity of the situation, National Public Data has remained tight-lipped about the incident, neither confirming nor denying the breach publicly. However, they did mention that they are investigating the claims made by the hackers and have taken steps to remove any non-public personal information from their database.
In response to this data breach, cybersecurity experts are advising individuals to take proactive measures to protect their personal information. One recommendation is to search the dark web to check if your information has been leaked, using tools like Google to conduct the search. Additionally, placing a freeze on your credit files with major credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion can help prevent unauthorized individuals from taking out loans or opening accounts in your name.
For those concerned about whether their information was compromised in the National Public Data breach, cybersecurity company Pentester has developed a free online tool that can verify if your data was included in the stolen records. This tool can provide peace of mind for individuals worried about the security of their personal information in the aftermath of this massive data breach.
Furthermore, experts are stressing the importance of setting up two-factor authentication on online accounts to add an extra layer of security. This additional step can help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, even if your login credentials are compromised in a data breach.
As the fallout from this unprecedented data breach continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threats to personal data security in the digital age. Individuals must remain vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard their information from cybercriminals who seek to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain. In such uncertain times, the protection of personal data has never been more critical.