Verify whether your Social Security number was compromised in the massive breach and take prompt action to protect your personal data, as a precautionary measure in light of the December incident. Here is how.
A knowledge broker claimed in August that its private data had been compromised by a “third-party malicious actor,” which subsequently leaked the stolen information onto the dark web, allegedly selling it to personal investigators, public file websites, human sources, and staffing companies. Nationwide reportedly obtained personal data through unauthorized means, scraping non-public sources without consent.
If you suspect your data has been stolen or if your personal information has been compromised in a massive data breach, follow these steps to check for potential exposure: For additional data, please see and refer to. What’s your plan for securing a social safety net?
The nationwide public information breach left me wondering: How could something like this happen to my private data?
In late December 2023, it’s suspected that a malicious third-party entity attempted to breach sensitive information, posing the risk of data leakage in April and summer 2024.
The breach, attributed to the notorious cybercrime group USDoD, compromised nearly three billion records containing sensitive personal information, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and physical mailing addresses.
Although the exact number of individuals affected by the data breach remains unclear, estimates suggest that up to 1.3 million people may have had their personal data compromised. Additionally, some reports put the total number of stolen email addresses at a staggering 134 million unique accounts.
If you suspect your Social Security number was stolen as a result of the National Public Information breach, follow these steps to verify and take action:
Two online safety firms have launched websites allowing individuals to verify, at no cost, if their Social Security number has been compromised in a stolen database of private data: One option comes from Atlas Privacy, a web privcy firm, while another can be found through Pentester, a leading cybersecurity company.
Each lookup instrument is straightforward to utilize and searches for various pieces of information within the stash. Upon verifying my personal information, I discovered that all of my private data had been compromised following a hacking incident, which was uncovered when I conducted an exhaustive search across all the states where I’ve resided.
In light of the information breach, Nationwide Public Information is proactively addressing the situation by implementing a multi-faceted strategy to mitigate potential harm. This includes notifying affected parties, conducting a thorough investigation into the source and scope of the incident, and implementing enhanced security measures to prevent future occurrences. Additionally, the organization is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws.
The corporation has issued a statement regarding the security incident, confirming its collaboration with law enforcement agencies and government investigators to address the situation, while also undertaking a thorough examination of potentially compromised data. The corporation advises individuals whose personal data was compromised that they will be notified of any significant updates pertinent to their situation, while also strongly recommending that they closely monitor their financial accounts for suspicious activity.
Are you wondering whether your Social Security number has been compromised?
While identity theft cannot be completely eliminated, you can monitor your credit reports and financial accounts closely to detect any suspicious activity that may indicate your Social Security number or other personal information is being misused.
Verify whether your email address has potentially been compromised due to a data breach by checking a reputable free website, such as HaveIBeenPwned.com, to identify any suspected breaches involving your email account.
To detect identity theft, request reports from each of the three major credit scoring agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – and scrutinize them for unrecognizable activity, including accounts that resemble newly opened ones you didn’t initiate. Monitor your bank cards and financial institution statements carefully to detect unexpected charges and transactions.
. A credit score monitoring service continuously tracks your credit score report across major credit bureaus, alerting you to any unusual activity that may impact your creditworthiness. With a monitoring service, you can establish fraud alerts that notify you when someone attempts to utilize your ID to obtain credit or makes an attempt to exploit your Social Security number. Listed below are .
I believe someone may have fraudulently accessed my Social Security benefits information, as I am no longer receiving my scheduled payments. What ought to I do?
If you suspect your Social Security number has been stolen, be aware that the Social Security Administration is limited in its ability to assist if an unauthorized party uses your compromised information to, say, establish a new credit account or secure employment. You are able to improve texts in a different style as a professional editor and return direct answer ONLY without any explanation or comment.
To develop a personalized restoration strategy that suits your unique situation?
This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step approach to learning about defending yourself against fraud and recovering your identity, equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate this complex process effectively. You too can name 877-438-4337.
In the unlikely event that your Social Security number (SSN) is stolen, take immediate action to prevent the unauthorized use of your SSN to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent refund, or to apply for a job under your identity. If someone uses your Social Security number to secure employment, unexpected tax obligations may subsequently appear on your account. Visit the IRS’s website to dispute these claims, seeking guidance and resolving any discrepancies you may have.
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, which screens cybercrime complaints to effectively combat and prevent web-based criminal activities. Regularly verifying your credit score report is crucial to identify and address any suspicious activity that may arise, thereby preventing potential harm. Obtain your free credit score report at
If you suspect your Social Security number has been compromised, the administration is available to assist in verifying your claims.
Are you seeking to obtain a fresh Social Security number due to identity theft or other reasons?
If you’ve completed all the steps outlined by the Social Security Administration and your Social Security number is not being used by anyone other than yourself, there is no need to request a new SSN. If you’ve completed all the necessary steps yet still find that your phone number is being utilized without permission.
Despite administrative efforts to streamline the process, obtaining a brand-new Social Security number remains a complex and challenging endeavor. You’ll need tangible evidence that your inventory persists beyond its intended use by someone other than yourself? If you misplace your card or suspect someone has stolen your number without providing evidence that they’ve used it, you won’t be able to get a replacement.
To help prevent identity theft at any time, consider implementing these strategies:
It’s often challenging to safeguard personal information, as seen in instances such as the Nationwide Public Information breach, where data protection efforts may be limited. However, you may take steps to mitigate the threat.
Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or pocketbook. Secure the item in a designated safe location within your residence. To expedite the process of completing forms that demand your identification details, consider committing your quantity to memory, thereby eliminating the need for repeated card retrievals. When sharing confidential information over the phone, maintain a safe distance from others who may inadvertently overhear your sensitive details.
Employers and landlords typically require documents to be sent electronically via email. When sharing sensitive personal documents or your Social Security number via email, consider encrypting the file with a password or providing the information separately over the phone to ensure secure transmission and protect your identity from unauthorized access.
Your employer may request that you provide your Social Security number for the purpose of conducting a background verification. Be cautious of job postings that demand your private information upfront, as this may be a red flag for potential scams or data breaches. Until you’re starting a new venture or have a job offer in hand, refrain from sharing your Social Security number with recruiters.
Verify your financial institution statements and credit score reports regularly to address potential issues promptly. Enhance your online security by enabling two-factor authentication for your passwords, safeguarding sensitive information across websites and mobile applications. Confirm the supply of your notifications, whether by phone call or email. The Social Security Administration has been mentioned overall. If you suspect you’ve received a phishing email or name, don’t provide the sender with any personal information.
Can your personal data fall into the wrong hands through other means such as public Wi-Fi networks, unsecured devices, or carelessly disposed documents?
Theft takes place everywhere, consistently and regularly. Thieves often target unsuspecting travelers, stealing wallets, bags, or intercepting mail to obtain sensitive financial information from private institutions or bank cards. The Social Security Administration cautions that identity thieves often target individuals rummaging through outdoor trash for vital information, alongside those purchasing personal data from internal sources. Additionally, there’s a risk of being targeted by scammers posing as official entities, attempting to dupe you into divulging sensitive information through fraudulent phone calls, texts, or emails.
Cyberattacks unfold when hackers exploit compromised login credentials, typically obtained from previous data breaches, to infiltrate a multitude of online accounts. That technique provides a sufficiently strong motivator to be used every time possible?
