The recent data breach at National Public Data, a background check company, has sent shockwaves through the online community. While you may not have heard of this company before, the breach has potentially exposed the personal information of millions of individuals. Reports suggest that over 2.7 billion personal records may have been compromised, including sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, names, email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses.
As cybersecurity professionals investigate the breached data, they have discovered that not all of the information is accurate. In fact, much of the data was already available through public records and other sources. Experts point out that there is nothing new in this data breach, highlighting the need for individuals to take proactive steps to protect their personal information.
In the aftermath of the National Public Data breach, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your personal information. One of the first measures you should consider is freezing your credit. By submitting requests to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, you can block access to your credit records by malicious actors.
Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication
In addition to freezing your credit, it is essential to change all your passwords, especially if you use the same password across multiple websites. Enabling multi-factor authentication for personal websites can provide an extra layer of security for your financial data. By taking these proactive measures, you can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your sensitive information.
Opting Out of Data Collections
Sites like National Public Data may allow individuals to opt out of being included in their data collections. However, due to the proliferation of data brokers, contacting each one individually can be time-consuming. To streamline this process, consumers can consider paying for a data broker removal service that will handle these requests on their behalf.
Identity Theft Monitoring
Investing in identity theft monitoring tools can provide added protection against unauthorized account openings using your personal information. These services will alert you if someone tries to use your information to open a new account or engage in fraudulent activities. Similarly, dark web monitoring services can notify you if your information appears in data breaches on the dark web.
Lawsuit Payouts and Compensation
While legal organizations may promise money damages for individuals affected by data breaches, the reality is that any payouts are often minimal. Following the Equifax breach in 2017, some consumers reported receiving payouts of less than $3, highlighting the challenges of seeking meaningful compensation for data breaches. Proving actual harm from a specific breach can be difficult, especially with the prevalence of multiple breaches over the years.
The National Public Data breach serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding your personal information in the digital age. By taking proactive steps such as freezing your credit, changing your passwords, and investing in identity theft monitoring, you can protect yourself from the potential consequences of data breaches. While the road to securing your information may be challenging, it is critical to stay vigilant and proactive in the face of evolving cyber threats.