The recent massive data breach at National Public Data, a background check company owned by Jerico Pictures Inc., has raised concerns about the security of personal information. The breach, which may have exposed over 2.9 billion personal records, has sparked fears among consumers about the safety of their sensitive data. While the company has released some details about the breach, the actual extent of the compromise remains unclear.
The breached data may have included a range of sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, names, email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses. This raises concerns about the potential misuse of this information by malicious actors. The fact that a third-party hacker was able to gain access to the data highlights the vulnerabilities in the company’s security measures.
Cyber professionals analyzing the breached data have found that not all of it is accurate and much of the information was already available through public records. This raises questions about the reliability of the data collected by National Public Data and the need for stricter regulations around data collection practices. Companies like National Public Data may collect information from public records and aggregate it to create profiles of individuals, which can lead to inaccuracies and outdated information being shared.
In light of the breach, experts emphasize the importance of taking steps to protect personal information. Consumers are advised to freeze their credit with the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to prevent unauthorized access to their records. Additionally, changing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and avoiding sharing personal information on public internet networks are recommended to enhance data security.
Consumers may choose to opt out of data collection by sites like National Public Data, but contacting multiple data brokers individually can be time-consuming. Alternatively, consumers can pay for a data broker removal service to handle the process for them. Identity theft monitoring tools and dark web monitoring services can also help individuals detect any unauthorized use of their personal information. While legal action may be an option for those affected by the breach, the likelihood of receiving substantial compensation is low.
The National Public Data breach serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world. By taking proactive steps to secure their data and monitoring for any signs of unauthorized access, consumers can better protect themselves from the impact of data breaches. While the full implications of the breach are yet to be realized, it underscores the need for greater vigilance and accountability in data handling practices.