On August 16th, a significant data breach occurred at National Public Data, a company that conducts background checks. This incident resulted in the exposure of millions of individuals' sensitive personal information, including their Social Security numbers. This is a critical issue for both individuals and businesses alike.
What Happened?
Cybercriminals successfully infiltrated National Public
Data's systems, gaining access to a vast database containing personal
information. This data included full names, addresses, dates of birth, Social
Security numbers, and phone numbers. Experts believe that the leaked
information could potentially impact nearly everyone with a Social Security
number in the United States.
What Information Was Leaked?
The compromised data is highly sensitive and can be misused
in various fraudulent activities. Cybercriminals can use this information to:
- Open
new credit cards or loans
- File
fraudulent tax returns
- Steal
your identity
- Commit
other financial crimes
Protecting Yourself and Your Business
Given the severity of this breach, immediate action is
crucial. Here's what you can do to protect yourself and your business:
For Individuals:
- Freeze
Your Credit: Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax,
Experian, and TransUnion) to freeze your credit. This prevents new
accounts from being opened in your name.
- Monitor
Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank, credit card, and other
financial statements for any unauthorized activity.
- Be
Wary of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of suspicious emails, calls, or
texts requesting personal information.
For Businesses:
- Review
Employee Information: Verify the accuracy of employee Social Security
numbers and other sensitive data.
- Enhance
Security Measures: Strengthen your company's cybersecurity defenses to
protect against similar attacks.
- Implement
Employee Training: Educate employees about data security best
practices to prevent social engineering attacks.
- Monitor
Credit Reports: Regularly check your business's credit report for any
fraudulent activity.
- Consider
Cyber Insurance: Evaluate the need for cyber insurance to mitigate
potential financial losses.
- For
Your Staff: Advise your employees to take proactive measures to
protect themselves.
Steps to Freeze Your Credit:
- Gather
Necessary Information: You'll need your Social Security number, date
of birth, and address to initiate a credit freeze.
- Contact
Credit Bureaus: Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to request a
credit freeze.
- Provide
Verification: You may need to provide additional verification, such as
a government-issued ID.
- Unfreeze
When Necessary: If you need to apply for credit, you'll need to
temporarily lift the freeze.
It's essential to remain vigilant and take proactive steps
to protect yourself and your business from the potential consequences of this
data breach. By following these recommendations, you can significantly reduce
the risk of identity theft and financial loss.
VECTOR CHOICE ADVANTAGE
Vector Choice is committed to helping you safeguard your sensitive information. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require assistance. Contact us today for a free Dark Web Scan where we can evaluate any exposed credentials!
