Nationalpublicdata.com Hack Exposes a Nation's Data
A data breach at NationalPublicData.com exposed personal information of millions, including SSNs and addresses. Experts recommend freezing credit files, highlighting the need for stronger consumer privacy regulations.
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A significant data breach at NationalPublicData.com has exposed a vast amount of personal information, including Social Security Numbers (SSNs), names, addresses, and phone numbers of millions of individuals. The breach, which occurred in late 2023 and was publicly acknowledged by the company on August 12, 2024, involved the release of over 4 terabytes of data, with claims of 2.9 billion rows of records being circulated in the cybercrime community. The data was initially put up for sale by a hacker known as "USDoD" in April 2024. Analysis revealed that while the total number of records is extensive, many pertain to deceased individuals, with an average age of 70 among the living records. NationalPublicData.com, operated by Jerico Pictures Inc., has stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement and have implemented additional security measures. Experts warn that the breach highlights the vulnerabilities of data brokers, who often collect information from public records without stringent protections. Consumers are advised to freeze their credit files and regularly check their credit reports to mitigate potential identity theft risks. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stronger consumer privacy laws in the U.S.
- NationalPublicData.com experienced a major data breach exposing personal information of millions.
- The breach involved over 4 terabytes of data, including SSNs and addresses.
- Many records pertain to deceased individuals, with an average age of 70.
- Experts recommend freezing credit files to prevent identity theft.
- The incident raises concerns about the need for stronger consumer privacy regulations.
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8 commentsIn case anyone didn't know, during the pandemic, that 1/year limit per bureau was temporarily changed to 1/week.
That temporary change was then made permanent last October.
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/10/you-now-hav...
I completely agree with Krebs's conclusion.
We can replace the role that the SSN plays (authentication) with modern techniques like public-key cryptography. We have the technology. The hard part is in figuring out how to implement it and getting the will to implement it.
The media is kind of dumb, eh?
I bet they will also not face any significant repercussions, and they might even start selling their own online data security product.
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2.9B hit in one of largest data breaches; full names and SSNs exposed
A data breach has exposed personal information of 2.9 billion individuals, linked to National Public Data and hackers. A lawsuit seeks compensation and secure disposal of the stolen data.
Background check company breached, nearly 3B exposed in data theft
A data breach at National Public Data affected nearly 3 billion individuals, exposing sensitive information. The hacker group USDoD demanded $3.5 million for the compromised database, raising privacy concerns.
Hackers leak 2.7B data records with Social Security numbers
Hackers leaked about 2.7 billion records of personal information from National Public Data, prompting class action lawsuits and warnings for individuals to monitor credit reports and avoid phishing attempts.
Every social security number possibly leaked in data breach
A data breach may have exposed personal information of 2.9 billion individuals, raising identity theft concerns. Experts recommend credit freezes and strong passwords while National Public Data investigates the claims.
Hackers may have stolen the Social Security numbers of every American
A data breach has exposed personal information of 2.9 billion individuals, including Social Security numbers, raising identity theft concerns. Experts recommend freezing credit and using strong passwords for protection.