National Public Data Hack: Billions Impacted in One of the Largest Breaches Ever 

A recent data breach at Florida-based background check company, National Public Data (NPD), is being described as one of the largest in history. Sensitive information on billions of individuals has been compromised, leaving many scrambling to secure their personal data. With a proposed class-action lawsuit already underway, and stolen data being sold on the dark web for $3.5 million, the breach is alarming in both scope and consequence. 

If you’re among the affected, it’s critical to understand the steps you can take to safeguard your information. Here, we’ll break down what you need to know about the breach and how you can protect yourself moving forward. 

The National Public Data Breach: What Happened? 

National Public Data confirmed the breach in August 2024, months after the information was initially stolen. According to the company, the breach involved a third-party hacker who accessed sensitive personal data as early as December 2023, with further leaks potentially occurring in April and during the summer of 2024. 

Information compromised in the breach includes: 

• Names 

• Email addresses 

• Phone numbers 

• Social Security numbers (SSNs) 

• Postal addresses 

It’s estimated that up to three billion individuals may have been impacted, making this breach unprecedented in scale. Hackers are already selling the stolen data on the dark web, heightening the urgency for affected individuals to take immediate protective action. 

How Can I Tell If My Information Was Involved? 

Concerned that your data may have been part of the breach? There are several resources available that allow you to check if your personal information has been compromised: 

• HaveIBeenPwned.com: This free site allows you to input your email address to see if your online accounts have been compromised. 

• npdbreach.com: Created by Atlas Privacy, this site is part of the Data Dividend Project. You can input your name, ZIP code, or phone number to see if your information has been affected. 

• npd.pentester.com: Developed by cybersecurity company Pentester, this website uses your name, state, and birth year to check if your data appears in any of the compromised records. 

It’s important to remember that you should never input your Social Security number or any highly sensitive information on these sites. These tools are designed to provide minimal, non-intrusive checks. 

Actions to Follow If Your Social Security Number Has Been Compromised 

If your Social Security number was involved in the breach, you need to act swiftly to minimize potential damage. Here are a few critical steps: 

1. Block Electronic Access to Your SSA Account: Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 to block online and telephone access to your account. Blocking access ensures that no one, including you, can view or alter your SSA records electronically. You can later unblock access by proving your identity.
2. Report Fraud: If you suspect fraudulent activity involving your Social Security number, report it to the SSA’s Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or by calling their fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271. 
3. Contact Law Enforcement: In cases of identity theft, law enforcement involvement may be necessary to fully resolve the issue. Be prepared to file a police report and provide documentation. 

Can I Freeze My Social Security Number? 

While you cannot technically freeze your Social Security number, you can take steps to lock it. The MyEVerify system, run by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, allows you to lock your SSN, preventing its use for employment verification purposes in the E-Verify system. 

To lock your SSN, follow these steps: 

• Create an account on MyEVerify.uscis.gov 

• Complete a security verification process, including answering security questions, setting up two-factor authentication, and verifying your identity. 

Once your SSN is locked, it cannot be used in E-Verify or Self Check until you unlock it. This is an essential step to prevent identity thieves from using your Social Security number for fraudulent employment purposes. 

How to Protect Yourself from Future Data Breaches 

Unfortunately, data breaches have become an all-too-common occurrence. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk, there are several steps you can take to protect your identity and financial information moving forward. 

1. Freeze Your Credit 

A credit freeze is one of the most effective tools available to prevent identity theft. Unlike a credit lock, which may still allow data to be accessed by some parties, a credit freeze prevents any new credit accounts from being opened in your name without your permission. Here’s how to initiate a credit freeze: 

• Contact the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. 

• Follow the steps provided by each bureau to initiate a freeze. You can later “thaw” your credit if necessary, such as when applying for a loan or new credit card. 

It’s important to note that while freezing your credit is a powerful preventive measure, it won’t stop thieves from using your existing accounts. This is why regular monitoring is also essential. 

2. Create Strong Passwords 

Using strong, unique passwords for your online accounts is critical to minimizing the risk of hackers gaining access. Strive to create passwords that are at least 12 characters in length and combine letters, numbers, and special symbols for enhanced security. 

Password managers, such as LastPass or 1Password, can generate and store complex passwords for you, reducing the likelihood of your accounts being compromised. 

3. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) 

Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of protection for your online accounts by requiring two forms of verification. In addition to your password, 2FA requires you to verify your identity through a second method, typically by entering a code sent to your phone or email. 

Using apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator provides added security, as these apps generate time-sensitive codes that hackers cannot easily intercept. 

4. Be Vigilant Against Scams 

Scammers often use data breaches as an opportunity to target vulnerable individuals. Be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages claiming to be from official sources. The SSA, for example, will never request your Social Security number or other personal information via email. 

If you receive suspicious communications, do not click on any links or provide sensitive information. Instead, reach out to the organization directly through official, verified contact details. 

5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly 

Regularly reviewing your bank statements, credit card activity, and credit reports is crucial for catching unauthorized transactions early. Free tools like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame allow you to monitor your credit activity in real-time, providing alerts if any suspicious activity is detected. 

Final Thoughts 

The National Public Data breach is a wake-up call for individuals and organizations alike. As cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated, it’s essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your personal information. 

While it’s impossible to entirely prevent your data from being compromised, following the steps outlined above will help you minimize the risk and protect yourself from identity theft. Stay informed, remain vigilant, and take action to secure your personal information before the next breach strikes. 

How Technijian Can Help 

Technijian is a leading cybersecurity company that specializes in protecting businesses and individuals from data breaches, identity theft, and other cyber threats. With the increasing frequency of large-scale data hacks like the National Public Data breach, Technijian offers a range of tailored solutions to secure your digital information and keep you protected. 

Here’s how Technijian can assist: 

1. Comprehensive Data Breach Response

If you’ve been affected by a data breach, Technijian can help you manage the fallout by: 

• Providing detailed risk assessments to understand the full extent of your exposure. 

• Offering expert guidance on the immediate steps you should take, such as freezing your credit, locking your Social Security number, and monitoring financial accounts. 

• Helping you navigate identity theft recovery with dedicated support. 

2. Identity Theft Protection and Monitoring

Technijian offers comprehensive identity theft protection services, including: 

• 24/7 monitoring of your personal information across multiple platforms and databases. 

• Alerts and notifications when your information is found on the dark web or in unauthorized databases. 

• Full recovery services, including identity theft insurance, to cover financial losses caused by fraud. 

3. Cybersecurity Solutions for Businesses

For businesses handling sensitive client or customer data, Technijian provides robust cybersecurity solutions to prevent breaches like the one at National Public Data. Services include: 

• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and fix weak points in your infrastructure. 

• Data encryption solutions to ensure that sensitive information is protected, even if accessed by unauthorized parties. 

• Implementation of two-factor authentication (2FA) and other advanced security protocols. 

4. Security Training and Awareness

To minimize the risk of future breaches, Technijian provides comprehensive cybersecurity training for individuals and employees of organizations. These training programs teach users how to: 

• Recognize phishing attempts and suspicious online activity. 

• Use strong passwords and secure authentication methods. 

• Safeguard personal and business data from being compromised in the first place. 

5. Incident Response and Forensics

If your company experiences a data breach, Technijian’s incident response team is available to help you contain and remediate the attack. The team specializes in: 

• Investigating how the breach occurred and the extent of data compromised. 

• Implementing immediate containment measures to stop further data loss. 

• Helping you comply with breach notification laws and assisting in communication with affected individuals. 

6. Ongoing Support and Managed Security Services

Technijian offers managed security services that provide ongoing protection from cyber threats. These services ensure: 

• Real-time monitoring of your systems to detect any suspicious activity. 

• Regular updates and patches to keep your systems secure from known vulnerabilities. 

• Immediate response to cyber incidents, reducing downtime and preventing further damage. 

 

FAQs: National Public Data Breach 

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the National Public Data breach: 

1. What is the National Public Data breach?

The National Public Data breach is one of the largest data breaches in history, involving a Florida-based background check company. Hackers accessed sensitive information from billions of individuals, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and postal addresses. 

2. How many people were affected by the breach?

The breach is estimated to have compromised data for up to three billion individuals. This makes it one of the most extensive data breaches ever recorded. 

3. What type of information was stolen?

Sensitive data that was compromised includes names, Social Security numbers (SSNs), email addresses, phone numbers, and postal addresses. Some of this information is reportedly being sold on the dark web. 

4. How can I check if my information was involved?

You can check if your personal information was compromised by using these free online tools: 

• HaveIBeenPwned.com: Enter your email address to see if your online accounts were compromised. 

• npdbreach.com: Search using your name, ZIP code, or phone number to determine if your data was affected. 

• npd.pentester.com: This site uses your name, birth year, and state to scan if your information appears in the breach database. 

5. What should I do if my Social Security number was compromised?

If your SSN was compromised: 

• Block electronic access to your Social Security Administration (SSA) account by calling 1-800-772-1213. 

• Consider locking your SSN via the MyEVerify system at MyEVerify.uscis.gov. 

• Report any fraudulent activity to the SSA’s Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or by calling their fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271. 

6. Can I freeze my Social Security number?

While you cannot freeze your SSN, you can lock it to prevent unauthorized access or use through the MyEVerify platform. A credit freeze through major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) is a recommended step to protect your financial accounts from fraud. 

7. What steps can I take to protect myself in the future?

To protect yourself from future data breaches: 

• Freeze your credit with major credit bureaus. 

• Set up strong, unique passwords for each account and use a password manager. 

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your financial and personal accounts. 

• Monitor your credit regularly using free tools like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame. 

 

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