A massive data breach has recently surfaced, potentially impacting nearly 2.7 billion individuals across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The compromised data includes sensitive information such as names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, believed to have been stolen from National Public Data (NPD), a background check company.
NPD, which gathers information from public records for background checks, is accused of also scraping data from non-public sources without obtaining consent. A lawsuit filed against the company alleges fiduciary responsibility violations and unjust benefits.
The situation took a new turn when a user posted what is believed to be the complete version of the stolen data for free on a hacking forum. A hacker named USDoD had previously attempted to sell the data for $3.5 million.
* Verification efforts have been challenged by the large database, raising questions about the actual number of individuals affected.
* Many individuals have multiple records, making it difficult to assess the true impact of the breach.
* Inconsistencies have also been found, such as incorrect Social Security numbers and outdated address data, leading to uncertainty about the age and accuracy of the stolen information.
Actionable Advice for Affected Individuals
To stay protected:
* Monitor credit reports for any signs of suspicious activity
* Remain vigilant against targeted phishing attacks via email and SMS
Please stay cautious in light of this developing breach and ensure you prioritize the protection of your sensitive data.