A staggering data breach has compromised the personal information of nearly 2.9 billion individuals, including Social Security numbers, names, and addresses, dating back over three decades. The breach was executed by a cybercriminal group known as USDoD, which infiltrated the network of National Public Data, a company that aggregates data for background checks. The lawsuit filed against the company claims it failed to adequately protect sensitive information, leading to its sale on the dark web for $3.5 million. As a result, individuals are left vulnerable to identity theft and financial fraud. Experts recommend that affected individuals freeze their credit reports with major credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized access to their financial information. Additionally, they should adopt stronger passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and remain vigilant in monitoring their accounts for suspicious activity. With identity theft becoming increasingly common, investing in identity protection services is also advised to safeguard personal data.
Read the full article here.