Massive Data Breach Exposes Sensitive Info of 3 Billion: Steps to Take Now

In early August, Bloomberg Law reported a significant breach in which a criminal group named "USDoD" exposed the personal information of nearly three billion individuals. The breach occurred in April 2024, involving a database owned by National Public Data, a background check company. The sensitive data includes Social Security numbers, addresses, full names, and even information on relatives, which was leaked on the dark web. The exposed information has raised concerns globally, and individuals can now check if they were affected by visiting npd.pentester.com.

Social Security: Steps to take if you are affected

Finding out whether or not you were affected is just the beginning; understanding the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the breach is vital. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has provided a series of steps to take if your data has been compromised:

1. Report the Incident

Visit IdentityTheft.gov to make a report and obtain a recovery plan tailored to your specific situation. Additionally, you can reach out to them by calling 1-877-438-4338. This initial step is crucial in documenting the breach and gaining guidance on how to navigate the recovery process.

2. File a Report with Authorities

It is also essential to report the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center by filing an online report. Taking this step adds another layer of documentation to the breach.

3. Notify Credit Bureaus

Inform one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. This notification is critical in order to monitor and secure your credit report in light of the breach.

4. Enhance Credit Security

Consider implementing additional security measures such as a credit freeze and/or fraud alert on your credit report. These actions can help safeguard your financial information from potential misuse.

5. Check Your Credit Report

Regularly check your credit report for any discrepancies or unauthorized activities. You can obtain a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com for a thorough examination of your financial standing.

6. File a Police Report

In the case of identity theft or further repercussions, file a police report. Retain a copy for your records, as it may be required for verification or dispute resolution in the future.

7. Prevent Identity Theft

To prevent others from using your Social Security number to file a tax return and steal your refund, contact the IRS by calling 1-800-908-4490 or visiting Identity Theft Central. This step is crucial to safeguarding your financial integrity.