You can verify whether your Social Security number was impacted by the reported theft of 2.9 billion records in the December 2023 National Public Data breach and take necessary steps to safeguard your personal information. According to National Public Data, a third-party bad actor hacked into their data and leaked stolen information on the dark web. The company obtained the information without consent, leading to a proposed class action lawsuit. The House of Representatives committee has initiated an investigation in response.
To check if your information was stolen and to take action if your Social Security number and other personal data were leaked in the breach, consider utilizing identity theft protection services and freezing your credit. Additionally, you can check when your Social Security check will arrive and understand ways in which you can lose your Social Security benefits.
National Public Data collects personal information from various sources including public record databases, court records, state and national databases. The breach, believed to involve a cybercriminal group named USDoD, may have exposed personal details such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and mailing addresses of nearly 3 billion individuals. The exact number of affected people is still uncertain, with estimates ranging from 1.3 million to 134 million unique email addresses.
Two online security companies, Atlas Privacy and Pentester, have created tools that allow you to check for free if your Social Security number was part of the stolen information. By monitoring your credit reports and financial accounts for suspicious activities, you can detect potential identity theft.
If you suspect that your Social Security number has been compromised, take immediate steps such as creating an online Social Security account, contacting the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov for a personal recovery plan, and informing the Internal Revenue Service to prevent misuse of your number for tax purposes or employment. Be vigilant in monitoring your credit reports and consider filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
While obtaining a new Social Security number can be challenging, it may be necessary if all other measures fail to protect your identity. To prevent future identity theft, avoid carrying your Social Security card, encrypt sensitive documents sent via email, and be cautious when providing personal information to employers or recruiters. Regularly review your financial statements, enable two-factor authentication, and verify the legitimacy of any notices or communications you receive.