In late 2023, National Public Data, a background check company, experienced a significant data breach affecting potentially 2.9 billion individuals. This alarming incident has raised concerns about identity theft and privacy, as sensitive information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, mailing addresses, and Social Security numbers may have been compromised. Cybersecurity experts warn that this data is likely circulating on the dark web. In response, the company has begun notifying affected individuals and has provided two online databases where users can check if their information has been exposed. However, accessing these databases requires entering personal information, which poses additional risks. To safeguard against identity theft, individuals are advised to monitor their credit reports, place fraud alerts, or freeze their credit. Additional measures include applying for an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS to protect tax returns and using the USPS Informed Delivery service to track mail. Being proactive is essential to ensuring personal information remains secure.
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