In one of the biggest data breaches ever, National Public Data, a company that does background checks, has had a major security failure.
The breach has exposed 2.9 billion personal records, making it one of the largest breaches on record.
This incident has raised global concerns about data security and privacy, affecting millions of people whose personal information has been compromised.
Details of the Breach
The breach, which happened earlier this year but was only revealed in August 2024, involved an enormous 2.9 billion records.
These records contained very sensitive information, including full names, Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and even alternate identities.
A criminal group called “USDoD” reportedly put this data up for sale on the dark web, asking for $3.5 million.
Key Details of the National Public Data Breach
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Breach | April 2024 |
| Date of Public Disclosure | August 2024 |
| Number of Records Exposed | 2.9 billion |
| Type of Data Compromised | Names, Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers |
| Criminal Group Involved | USDoD |
| Data Sale Price on Dark Web | $3.5 million |
The Impact
This breach has serious consequences. People affected are now at a higher risk of identity theft, fraud, and other cybercrimes.
Class-action lawsuits have been filed against National Public Data. The plaintiffs claim the company didn’t protect their data properly, putting their personal and financial security at risk.
Government Response
In response to the data breach, U.S. Senator Rick Scott is calling for immediate action and accountability from the Biden-Harris administration. He stressed the urgent need for transparency about the breach and urged for strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The senator’s concerns reflect growing worries about keeping personal information safe in a digital world.
What You Can Do
If you think your information might be affected, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself. Start by checking your credit reports for any unusual activity.
Consider putting a credit freeze or fraud alert on your accounts to stop unauthorized access. Be careful of phishing scams and fake messages that might use the leaked information.
Conclusion
The National Public Data breach shows how vulnerable we are in the digital age. With billions of records exposed, this incident highlights the need for better data protection laws and stronger security practices from companies handling sensitive information.
The effects of this breach will likely be felt for a long time.
What was the National Public Data breach?
In April 2024, National Public Data’s security failure exposed 2.9 billion personal records, including sensitive information like Social Security numbers.
When was it revealed?
The breach was publicly disclosed in August 2024.
How does this affect individuals?
Affected people face increased risks of identity theft and fraud.
What actions are being taken?
Senator Rick Scott is calling for accountability, and class-action lawsuits have been filed against National Public Data.