In an alarming data breach at National Public Data (NPD) in 2024, the Social Security numbers and personal details of nearly every American were exposed, making this one of the largest security incidents in history. Cybersecurity experts are calling this breach unprecedented due to its scale and the sheer volume of data now circulating on dark web forums and among cyber criminals.

With over 2.9 billion records impacted, sensitive information like Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and emails is now at risk, underscoring the urgency for both individuals and businesses to rethink their data security practices.

 

How It Happened

NPD, a provider of background checks and data services, detected hacking attempts in late 2023, but by April 2024, a significant data set was leaked. Over the summer, the release of 2.7 billion records cemented the NPD incident as one of the largest U.S. data breaches. Investigations linked the breach to a cyber crime group involved in high-profile cases, showcasing just how quickly stolen data can be distributed and exploited once it falls into the wrong hands.

 

Implications for Individuals

With personal information now exposed, Americans face heightened risks of identity theft, fraudulent applications, and social engineering scams. Cyber criminals are likely to use the compromised Social Security numbers to exploit weaknesses in financial and verification systems, putting not only individual identities at risk but also complicating verification processes across banks and financial institutions as this compromised data circulates.

 

Protecting Yourself from Fraud

In light of this breach, there are critical steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze is a practical step to prevent fraudulent accounts from being opened in your name. This service is free through the major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, and Innovis—and can be temporarily lifted if you need to apply for credit. Given the magnitude of this breach, cybersecurity experts recommend keeping your credit frozen as a default.

Watch for Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks
With personal information widely accessible, attackers are likely to craft sophisticated phishing messages. Be cautious with unsolicited emails, calls, or texts asking for your details.

Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Regularly check your accounts for any unauthorized transactions or credit applications. Immediately report any suspicious activity to your bank or credit institution.

 

Why Businesses Should Take Note

This breach serves as a wake-up call for companies managing sensitive data. Even if you outsource your data storage or background checks, third-party incidents can tarnish your brand reputation and erode customer trust. Implementing proactive security measures, conducting regular audits, and investing in third-party testing can help reduce your vulnerability to similar incidents. When sensitive data is entrusted to other providers, your vigilance in choosing secure partners becomes paramount.

 

The Bigger Picture: Strengthening Data Security Practices

The NPD breach highlights serious vulnerabilities in handling and securing large data sets. As hackers continue to target centralized repositories, both businesses and individuals must adopt robust data protection and privacy practices to safeguard personal information against future breaches.

 

Protecting Your Credit and Identity

Your credit history and personal information are critical for financial activities like buying a car, applying for a loan, or securing a mortgage. Here are additional tools to protect your credit and identity:

1. Implement a Credit Freeze
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name without affecting your credit score.

Equifax
1-800-349-9960 | www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze

Experian
1-888-397-3742 | www.experian.com/freeze/center.html

TransUnion
1-888-909-8872 | www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Innovis
1-800-540-2505 | www.innovis.com/personal/securityFreeze

 

2. Lift a Credit Freeze as Needed
When applying for credit or employment, you may need to temporarily lift your freeze. Find out which bureau the provider uses and lift the freeze accordingly.

3. Review Your Credit Report Annually
By law, you’re entitled to one free credit report per year from each U.S. credit bureau. Reviewing it can help you detect identity theft, unusual activity, or unfamiliar accounts. To request your free annual reports, call 1-877-322-8228 or visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

4. Consider a Fraud Alert
If you suspect your information has been compromised, placing a fraud alert on your credit report can add an extra layer of security, especially useful if you have already experienced identity theft.

 

Taking these steps will help protect your credit and identity from potential fraud and misuse. The NPD breach underscores that vigilance is essential—by being proactive, both businesses and individuals can mitigate the risks of one of the largest data breaches to date.