2.9 Billion Records Breach - Background Check Data stolen
Massive Data Breach: Millions of Social Security Numbers Potentially Compromised. A significant data breach may have exposed the Social Security numbers and other sensitive information of millions of individuals, potentially placing this data in the hands of a hacking group. The breach has drawn widespread attention after reports suggested that the compromised data might have been released on an online marketplace. According to a recent report by The Los Angeles Times, this breach could have far-reaching consequences, affecting millions of people across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
### **Details of the Alleged Data Breach**
The hacking group known as USDoD is alleged to have stolen personal records from National Public Data, a Florida-based background check company operated by Jerico Pictures, Inc. The stolen records reportedly include data for 2.9 billion individuals, according to a class-action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bloomberg Law reported that the breach is believed to have occurred around April.
The compromised data file, said to be approximately 277.1 gigabytes in size, contains a wealth of personal information, including names, address histories, family relationships, and Social Security numbers. Some of the data dates back at least three decades, highlighting the depth and breadth of the breach.
Data Sale on the Dark Web
A cybersecurity expert recently posted on X (formerly Twitter) that USDoD is allegedly selling the 2.9 billion records on the dark web for a staggering $3.5 million. These records reportedly include personal information for citizens of the U.S., U.K., and Canada, raising concerns about the potential for identity theft and other forms of fraud on a massive scale.
Bleeping Computer, a well-known cybersecurity and technology news site, reported that since the initial sale of the data in April, other hackers have released different versions of the stolen data. In August, a hacker known as "Fenice" allegedly leaked the most complete version of the data for free on an online forum, making the information accessible to an even wider audience.
Steps to Protect Yourself
If you suspect that your personal information has been compromised in this breach, it is essential to take immediate action to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. Money.com recommends the following steps:
Update your antivirus software: Ensure it is up to date and run security scans on all your devices. If any malware is detected, most antivirus programs can remove it, but you may need professional assistance in some cases.
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Change your passwords: Update passwords for your bank accounts, email accounts, and other services. Create strong, unique passwords for each account, using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Enable multifactor authentication: Use this feature on any accounts that offer it, adding an extra layer of security to your online presence.
Monitor your credit report: Regularly check your credit report for any unauthorized activity. If you notice anything suspicious, consider freezing your credit to prevent further unauthorized use.
Be cautious with emails and social media: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts that may try to trick you into revealing personal information by pretending to be from legitimate sources.
By taking these proactive measures, you can help safeguard your personal information and reduce the risk of identity theft in the wake of this significant data breach.