The Social Security numbers of every single American may be for sale on the dark web right now.It could be the largest data breach ever.Word of this first surfaced after a class action lawsuit was filed in Florida about two weeks ago.The company that was breached, Florida-based National Public Data, said 1.3 million people were impacted.However, the lawsuit alleges the records of up to 2.9 billion people were stolen from consumers, both dead and alive, including Social Security numbers.National Public Data confirmed on its website that it was the target of what it calls a “data security incident.”The company collects data to provide background checks on consumers and job applicants.Cybersecurity firms across the country are reporting that they are finding the records of billions of people for sale on the dark web connected to this breach.If this is a worst-case scenario, that means everyone’s Social Security numbers are out there.Is your information compromised?A cybersecurity firm called Pentester said it has captured the entire list.On its website, you can check whether your information is involved. Go to npd.pentester.com.Protect yourselfThe best step you can take to protect your information — if it’s out there — is to place a freeze on your credit report.”It prevents any credit from being issued to you with your credit report information, so it’s probably the best thing you can do. Also, you do have to do it with each bureau,” said Christie Matherne with personal finance company WalletHub. The three major credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.Go to USA.gov to learn how to place a security freeze.Closely monitor your financial accounts. If you see any unauthorized activity, contact your financial institution.
The Social Security numbers of every single American may be for sale on the dark web right now.
It could be the largest data breach ever.
Word of this first surfaced after a class action lawsuit was filed in Florida about two weeks ago.
The company that was breached, Florida-based National Public Data, said 1.3 million people were impacted.
However, the lawsuit alleges the records of up to 2.9 billion people were stolen from consumers, both dead and alive, including Social Security numbers.
National Public Data confirmed on its website that it was the target of what it calls a “data security incident.”
The company collects data to provide background checks on consumers and job applicants.
Cybersecurity firms across the country are reporting that they are finding the records of billions of people for sale on the dark web connected to this breach.
If this is a worst-case scenario, that means everyone’s Social Security numbers are out there.
Is your information compromised?
A cybersecurity firm called Pentester said it has captured the entire list.
On its website, you can check whether your information is involved. Go to npd.pentester.com.
Protect yourself
The best step you can take to protect your information — if it’s out there — is to place a freeze on your credit report.
“It prevents any credit from being issued to you with your credit report information, so it’s probably the best thing you can do. Also, you do have to do it with each bureau,” said Christie Matherne with personal finance company WalletHub.
The three major credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Go to USA.gov to learn how to place a security freeze.
Closely monitor your financial accounts. If you see any unauthorized activity, contact your financial institution.
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