Social Security Numbers Leaked In NPD Data Breach | Act Now
Updates 9/11/24
A data breach (or leak) is when unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive personal information, such as your name, address, Social Security number or financial and other details from companies or organizations that store this data.
We’ve seen news about recent data breaches at major corporations, healthcare agencies, government, finance, education, retail, utilities, etc.
These pose a significant security risks to millions of Americans, especially older adults.
National Public Data (NPD) Breach
However, it is my opinion that the recent NPD breach is the most significant data leak in history, with far-reaching implications for most Americans.
Hackers stole nearly three billion records that are now posted on the dark web.
This exposed sensitive personal information of hundreds of millions of American citizens, and includes:
- Full names
- Dates of birth
- Addresses
- Cell phone numbers
- Social Security numbers (SSNs)
This Leak Is Particularly Significant
The breach likely contains the Social Security number of almost every American citizen, young and old.
- The records are openly available on the dark web, increasing the risk of widespread misuse.
- The combination of personal information exposed makes it easier for criminals to commit various forms of identity theft, scams, fraud, financial hardship as well as the resulting emotional distress.
- The effects of this breach could be felt for years to come since SSNs are difficult to change and are used for numerous important transactions.
- This may lead to increased fraudulent activities in the future.
- Seniors are prime targets following these data breaches.
- Minor children with Social Security numbers are also vulnerable to crippling identity theft.
It is therefore crucial to IMMEDIATELY, and seriously, take steps to protect your personal information, even if the steps are inconvenient.
Has Your SSN Been Leaked?
There are two websites where you can check if your SSN has been leaked with other personal data. (Note: you must enter personal information.)
https://npd.pentester.com/
https://www.npdbreach.com/
But why bother?
The old adage prevails: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Steps You Should Take Immediately
You should take the following steps even if your information was not leaked.
- Set up accounts at the three nationwide credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – (there are additional sites you should also consider depending on circumstances).
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/
https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze - Immediately freeze your credit at each, you can easily unfreeze it for a legitimate request.
- Download copies of your credit reports, check for discrepancies and file disputes if need be (I did, and other family members did as well).
- Sign in and monitor your Social Security account information regularly.
- Lock Your Social Security Number to prevent identity theft through E-Verify for employment ID theft. (Update.)
- E-Services and Direct Deposit Social Security Number Block. (Update.)
- Protect Against Tax Filing Fraud with an U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Six-Digit ‘IP PIN’.
- Report Identity Theft if you are a victim to the Federal Trade commission (FTC), local law enforcement agencies, companies that were involved, the IRS, etc.
- Learn About Child Identity Theft – Why it Matters – Steps to Help Prevent it
- Learn about protecting the identity of a deceased person. (Update.)
You must also continue to educate yourself, be vigilant and if need be consult with professionals (i.e. financial advisors, elder law attorneys, estate planning professionals, etc.) for additional guidance on protecting yourself from potential fraud and abuse.
I know personally the hours I spent when my identity was stolen years ago. Many members of my family have also gone through the frustration and stress.
Don’t be a future victim. Act now.
Michael
Questions about any of this? Contact us (right sidebar) or call 708.762.3259 to set up a free 15-minute appointment with Judy and me.
Note: The information contained herein is a guideline, it is not all-inclusive. There are additional precautions you should take, too many to list here.
Read a previous article about a massive data leak published here this past January 27th: “Security And Privacy Tips Following New Massive Data Leak.”
9/12/24 Read our follow up article: “Force HTTPS Website Visits On WEB Browsers For Added Security.”