In December 2023, a massive breach occurred. Data It affected millions of people, as their personal data was affected, which included: Social Security Number (Social Security)According to a recent statement from National Public Data (NPD)a data brokerage company that collects and sells data. Personal informationA “malicious actor” hacked into their databases and leaked stolen information.
This action could have exposed the data of nearly 3 billion people. Recordswhich puts it at risk protection Sensitive information such as full names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security Number.
Video Credits: YouTube | United States Social Security
What is being done to respond to the incident?
NPD collects information from a variety of public and private sources, such as court records, state and national databases, and other nationwide repositories. The reported attack occurred in late December 2023, with the potential for data leakage in the summer of 2024, which was identified by a criminal group known as USDoD This cyber attack will be behind.
The company said it is cooperating with authorities and conducting a comprehensive review of potentially affected records. Likewise, if your information has been stolen, we will try to notify you if significant developments arise, and we advise you to closely monitor your financial accounts for any unauthorized activity.
What should be done to prevent identity theft in the future?
If you think your Social Security number has been stolen, the first thing you should do is visit IdentityTheft.gov The follower Federal Trade Commission (FTC) To get your personal recovery plan. With this, you will be guided to protect yourself from fraud and restore your identity. It is recommended that you contact Internal Revenue Service (IRS) To prevent a thief from using your number to file fraudulent tax returns or get a job in your name.
It is worth noting that a new number has been obtained. Social Security It’s a complex process, and you can only request it if you have proof that someone else is still using your information. While it’s not always possible to prevent a major data breach, you can take some steps to reduce the risk:
- Avoid carrying your card. Social Security In your wallet or purse.
- Save it and keep it in a safe place.
- Be careful when Share Your number by phone or email, make sure the source is reliable.
- Review your banking and credit statements regularly.
- Enable two-step authentication on all your online accounts.
Be wary of suspicious emails, text messages, or phone calls that may be scam attempts. PhishingRemember that. Social Security Administration (SSA) They will only contact you if you have requested a notification, so check for any unwanted contact.
