Was Your Information Compromised in the National Public Data Breach?

Was Your Information Compromised in the National Public Data Breach?

In September 2024, National Public Data confirmed a massive data breach exposing the personal records of millions of individuals. The stolen data includes names, email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and even Social Security numbers. In total up to 2.9 billion records were illegally obtained by hackers. Here is what happened and how you can protect yourself.

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What Happened?

National Public Data, a consumer data broker that provides background checks, criminal records, and other information to businesses, government agencies, and private investigators, was hacked. The breach began in December 2023 and culminated in April 2024 when a cybercriminal named "USDoD" posted the stolen data online. By August 6, the data had been made freely available on multiple forums, accessible to anyone.

The breach compromised sensitive, personally identifiable information, including:

• Names and addresses

• Phone numbers and email addresses

• Social Security numbers

• Previous addresses and, in some cases, alternate names

While some of this data is public information, the combination of these details in one place increases the risk of fraud and identity theft.

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Why Is This Breach Dangerous?

Even though much of the leaked data is already publicly accessible, the ease of access to this consolidated information creates opportunities for cybercriminals to:

• Open fraudulent accounts – Using stolen data to apply for credit cards, loans, or bank accounts.

• Bypass security questions – Details like childhood street names or partial Social Security numbers can help hackers crack authentication barriers.

• Launch phishing attacks – Expect an increase in phishing emails and smishing (phishing via SMS) attempts.

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Could You Be Affected?

Yes. Even if you have never interacted with National Public Data, organizations like landlords, employers, or businesses may have used their services to access information about you.

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Steps to Protect Yourself

1. Check if Your Data Was Exposed

Use tools like https://npd.pentester.com/ to determine if your information is included in the breach.

2. Freeze Your Credit and Review Your Report

o Request a free credit report from Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

o Freeze your credit with all three bureaus to prevent new accounts from opening in your name.

o Review your report for any unauthorized activity and set up alerts for future changes.

3. Stay Alert for Phishing Scams

Be cautious with unsolicited emails, text messages, phone calls, or social media messages. Cybercriminals may use your exposed data to craft convincing fraud.

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Protect Your Business

This breach highlights the devastating impact data breaches can have on both individuals and businesses. As a business owner, it is crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard sensitive information and protect against cyber threats.

Let us help you secure your business!

Call us today at 877-686-6642 to schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment.

Our deep dive into your network will identify vulnerabilities, help you protect your data, and provide a blueprint for strengthening your cybersecurity defenses.

Do not wait until it is too late—act now to protect yourself and your business!

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