Recognizing the Vulnerability
A significant data breach involving Social Security numbers, names, residences, phone numbers, email addresses, and other information was confirmed by National Public Data last week1. This was one of the biggest breaches in recent memory, potentially affecting billions of records2.
How to Find Out Whether Your Social Security Number Was Breached
Examine your notifications:
Emails and Letters: Businesses that are implicated in data breaches frequently send out emails or letters to the impacted parties. Keep an eye out for correspondence from National Public Data or associated organizations.
Credit Monitoring Services: Keep an eye out for notifications if you utilize a credit monitoring service regarding potential compromises of your Social Security number.
Employ Internet Resources:
Pentester Tool: To determine whether your data was compromised, the cybersecurity company Pentester has developed a tool. Enter your birth year, first and last names, then visit npd.pentester.com. If your Social Security number was included, the tool will display it3.
Keep an eye on your bank accounts:
Bank Accounts: Keep a regular eye out for any unauthorized activities on your bank statements.
Credit Reports: Get your credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian, the three main credit bureaus, and check them for any unusual requests or accounts.
Set Up Alerts for Fraud:
Credit Bureaus: To place a fraud alert on your account, get in touch with one of the three main credit bureaus. By doing this, creditors will be informed to take further measures to confirm your identification before opening new accounts in your name3.
Think About a Credit Freeze:
Credit freezes serve as a security measure to stop new credit from being opened in your name without your express consent. This is an effective defense against identity theft3.
How to Safeguard Your Data
Modify your passwords:
Robust Passwords: Make sure all of your online accounts have updated passwords, particularly those pertaining to financial services. Make use of a mix of special characters, numbers, and letters.
Password Manager: To create and safely store complicated passwords, think about utilizing a password manager.
Put two-factor authentication (2FA) into action:
Added Security: To provide your accounts an additional layer of protection, enable 2FA. Usually, you’ll get an email or code on your phone that you need to enter in addition to your password to accomplish this.
Keep an Eye on Your Identity:
Identity Theft Protection Services: You might want to sign up for a service that keeps an eye on your personal data and notifies you of any possible fraud.
Frequent Checks: Keep an eye out for any indications of unauthorized activity on your bank records and credit reports on a regular basis.
Remain Up to Date:
News Updates: Stay informed about any new actions advised by cybersecurity experts as well as updates regarding the hack.
Company Updates: Stay informed on National Public Data’s reaction to the hack and any assistance they provide to those who are impacted.
How to Proceed If Someone Stole Your Social Security Number
Report Theft of Identity:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): You can report identity theft to the FTC at identitytheft.gov if you believe your identity has been taken. They offer tools and a recovery plan to assist you in handling the circumstance.
Make a Police Report:
Local Authorities: Report anything to the police force in your area. This can assist you in proving the theft, and creditors or other organizations can ask for it.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) can be reached at:
Fraud Hotline: Call the Social Security Administration’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 if you think your Social Security number is being used fraudulently.
Alert Financial Establishments:
Banks and Credit Card Companies: Report the breach to your banks and credit card companies. They might provide extra security measures and assist in keeping an eye out for any unusual behavior on your accounts.
A New Social Security Number to Think About:
Application to the SSA: In dire circumstances, you have the option to apply to the SSA for a new Social Security number. This is a drawn-out procedure that is usually used as a final choice.
In summary
Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information belonging to billions of people may have been compromised in the National Public Data leak. You may lower your risk of identity theft and financial crime by being proactive in monitoring and protecting your information. To protect your personal information, be watchful, make use of the tools and resources at your disposal, and, if necessary, seek professional assistance.