What Happened?

Recently, National Public Data (NPD), a company that compiles public information for background checks, experienced a significant data breach. This breach exposed the personal information of nearly three billion (yes, that’s with a “b”) individuals. The compromised data includes names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and Social Security numbers.

Why Is This Important?

The exposure of such sensitive information poses serious risks. Cybercriminals can use this data for identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities. For example, with your Social Security number, they can open new credit accounts, apply for loans, or even file fraudulent tax returns in your name.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your personal information:

1. Check if Your Information was Leaked: Use tools provided by cybersecurity firms to see if your data was part of the breach. Websites like https://haveibeenpwned.com/ can help you verify this. Simply input your email address to see if any breaches are associated with it. Keep in mind that if you have multiple email addresses, you will need to check each one separately.

2. Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for unusual activity. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

3. Freeze Your Credit: Consider freezing your credit reports to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission. You can unfreeze your credit whenever you need to apply for new credit.

4. Enable Fraud Alerts: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports to make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name, as creditors must verify your identity before issuing credit.

5. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Ensure your online accounts have strong, unique passwords. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords.

6. Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal information. Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information via these methods. If you suspect anything, hang up with the caller and call the institution they claimed to be from via a known good phone number.

7. Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.

By taking these steps, you can better protect yourself from the potential fallout of the National Public Data breach. Stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your personal information.