The LA Times revealed what appears to be one of the most significant mass hacks in recent years. Since this news, searches for “social security breach 2024” have increased on Google.
About this social security breach 2024, we share with you the most relevant information known so far:
What happened?
A group of hackers has jeopardized the security of millions by seizing Social Security numbers and other sensitive data primarily from citizens in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
In what is being termed as one of the most significant data breaches of the decade, a notorious hacking group, referred to only as USDoD, has reportedly compromised the personal data of billions globally. This breach, detailed recently by the Los Angeles Times, involved the theft of sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, from a major data broker known as National Public Data.
Extent of the Breach
Around four months after claims surfaced, a hacker affiliated with USDoD released vast amounts of this data on a known online marketplace for stolen personal data. The leaked data includes not just Social Security numbers but also full names, addresses, dates of birth, and phone numbers, covering approximately 2.7 billion records. This exposure spans citizens primarily from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
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The Legal and Cybersecurity Response
Following the breach’s disclosure, a class-action lawsuit was promptly filed in the U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The suit alleges that National Public Data, which provides information to employers, private investigators, and other entities conducting background checks, failed to protect consumer data adequately. The cybersecurity community has scrutinized the released data and confirmed its authenticity, raising alarms about the potential for widespread identity theft and fraud.
Immediate Reactions and Company’s Stance
National Public Data has been reticent in its response. While not formally acknowledging the breach, the company has communicated via emails to concerned individuals, stating it is investigating the claims. Interestingly, National Public Data also mentioned having purged its entire database to prevent further misuse of the leaked data, although they note that certain records may need to be retained to fulfill legal obligations.
Potential Risks and Consumer Protection
Specialists have expressed their grave concerns regarding the breach.
To mitigate these risks, experts strongly advise individuals to place freezes on their credit reports with major bureaus such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This measure prevents new financial accounts from being opened in their names. Additionally, the importance of using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication wherever possible is emphasized.
Security breach 2024: How to Protect Yourself
Consumers worried about their data security are encouraged to monitor their accounts closely and consider subscribing to identity theft protection services, which are often offered for free by the breached entity for a year or more after an incident. It is also advisable to be vigilant against phishing attempts, which are likely to increase following such breaches.
The Social Security Breach of 2024 not only highlights the ongoing challenges in digital security but also underscores the need for stringent cybersecurity measures and regulations to protect personal data. As hackers become increasingly sophisticated, the response from both corporations and governments must evolve rapidly to counter these threats effectively.
