The recent National Public Data (NPD) breach stands as one of the largest social security number (SSN) exposures in history. With reports suggesting potential compromises affecting up to 3 billion SSNs, it is crucial to understand the scope of the breach and take immediate steps to protect yourself from identity theft. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the breach and actionable steps to ensure your personal information remains secure.

What Happened in the National Public Data (NPD) Breach?

Understanding the Scope

The NPD breach has exposed personal data of approximately 292 million individuals, including 272 million SSNs. This data spans from the inception of SSNs in 1936 to the present day, marking it as one of the largest SSN exposures ever recorded. Despite the extensive scope, the actual risk varies based on the quality and recency of the exposed data.

Who Is Most Affected?

The breach primarily impacts individuals born between 1950 and 1970. Although it includes older data, recent SSNs are also at risk. The quality of the exposed data varies, with some records being outdated or inaccurate but still posing a significant risk due to the sheer volume of exposed information.

Data Quality and Risk

Approximately 49% of the exposed SSNs have insufficient accuracy for major identity theft risks. However, 51% of the data is sufficiently accurate to be used for identity theft, affecting an estimated 138 million U.S. citizens.

Immediate Actions to Protect Your Identity

1. Monitor Your SSN and Personal Information

Utilize identity theft protection services to actively monitor your SSN and personal information. Regularly check your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at AnnualCreditReport.com for any unauthorized activity.

2. Place a Fraud Alert

A fraud alert on your credit reports will alert creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. This added layer of security helps prevent unauthorized access to your credit. Request a fraud alert from one of the three major credit bureaus, which will notify the others.

3. Consider a Credit Freeze

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. While more stringent than a fraud alert, it provides enhanced protection. You can lift the freeze temporarily or permanently if needed.

4. File Your Taxes Early

File your taxes as early as possible to prevent tax identity theft, where someone uses your SSN to claim a refund. Contact the IRS immediately if you receive any correspondence about someone using your SSN for tax purposes.

5. Set Up an E-Verify Account

Consider setting up an E-Verify account at e-verify.gov/mye-verify. E-Verify allows you to lock your SSN so that others cannot use it to gain employment. This system helps prevent misuse of your SSN for job-related purposes.

6. Monitor Financial Statements

Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions. Report any discrepancies to your financial institutions immediately to mitigate potential damage.

7. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams

Following such a significant breach, phishing scams are likely to increase. Be wary of unsolicited emails or calls requesting personal information. Verify the legitimacy of any request before providing details.

Ongoing and Long-Term Security Measures

1. Update Your Passwords

Change passwords for your online accounts, particularly if you use the same password across multiple sites. Create strong, unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager for added security.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable 2FA on your accounts where possible. This adds an additional layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond your password.

3. Educate Yourself on Identity Theft

Understanding identity theft and its common tactics can help you react quickly if your information is misused. Stay informed about identity theft prevention and best practices.

4. Report Suspicious Activity

If you notice any suspicious activity related to your personal information, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and local law enforcement. Prompt reporting can help mitigate potential damage.

Conclusion

The National Public Data (NPD) breach represents an unprecedented exposure of personal information, posing significant risks to millions of individuals. By taking proactive steps to monitor and protect your identity, you can better safeguard yourself from the potential consequences of this massive breach. Stay vigilant, informed, and proactive to ensure your personal data remains secure.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Constella Intelligence authored by Rachel Hamasaki. Read the original post at: https://constella.ai/national-public-data-npd-breach-essential-guide-to-protecting-your-identity/