In recent months, a significant data breach involving National Public Data (NPD), a background-check data aggregator based in Coral Springs, Florida, has exposed billions of records. This breach, which occurred in December 2023, but was only publicly acknowledged in April 2024, may have leaked personal information such as names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and more. The severity of the breach continues to unfold, with reports indicating that NPD inadvertently exposed passwords to its own database.

The initial breach led to 2.9 billion records being sold on the dark web for $3.5 million. The stolen information affected people in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and included details like names, emails, and physical addresses. Security researcher Brian Krebs revealed that another data broker connected to NPD had exposed its database passwords in a file that was accessible from its homepage. The situation worsened when it became evident that some of the stolen data might be inaccurate or mixed with other datasets.

In response to the breach, NPD has been cooperating with law enforcement and advising consumers to take protective measures, such as freezing their credit and monitoring their accounts. Several lawsuits have also been filed against NPD and its parent company, Jerico Pictures. These lawsuits allege that NPD failed to implement adequate security measures to protect sensitive personal information. Many people affected by the breach have had to monitor their financial and personal records closely to avoid potential identity theft.

As more details emerge, it is clear that data breaches like this one are becoming more frequent and severe. The first half of 2024 saw a 490% increase in the number of data breaches compared to the same period in 2023. This trend suggests that data breaches will continue to be a significant concern in the coming months, leading to more legal battles and consumer anxiety.

One of the challenges in dealing with breaches like NPD’s is the complexity of identifying the source of the stolen data. Unlike breaches involving a single company, where the origin of the data is clear, data broker breaches often involve multiple sources, making it difficult to determine where the data came from and whether it is legitimate. In many cases, people affected by these breaches are unaware that companies like NPD even held their information in the first place.

Security researchers have also found that some of the data leaked in the NPD breach was paired with inaccurate personal information, leading to confusion about the reliability of the data. This has complicated efforts to assess the full impact of the breach and the potential risks for those affected.

For those whose information was included in the breach, especially those whose Social Security numbers were exposed, the risk of identity theft is significant. Victims are being advised to take steps like freezing their credit, monitoring their credit reports, and using financial monitoring services. Several websites have been set up to help people determine if their data was compromised, but these services often require users to provide additional personal information to check their status.

The broader issue of data breaches continues to be a major concern, with each breach contributing to a larger pool of stolen data that can be used by cybercriminals for various nefarious purposes. Security researcher Jeremiah Fowler warns that while the immediate impact of a breach may not always be apparent, the long-term risks are substantial. Criminals can piece together information from multiple breaches to create detailed profiles of individuals, which can then be used for identity theft, fraud, or even espionage.

The NPD breach also highlights the risks associated with data brokers, companies that collect and sell personal information. These companies often have access to vast amounts of data, making them attractive targets for hackers. When a data broker is breached, the impact can be far-reaching, affecting millions of people who may not even be aware that their information was being collected.

In the case of NPD, the breach not only exposed personal information but also revealed significant security lapses, such as the exposure of passwords in plain text. This has raised concerns about the overall security practices of data brokers and the potential for future breaches.

As consumers, it is essential to take steps to protect personal information in light of these ongoing threats. Freezing credit files, regularly checking credit reports, and being vigilant about suspicious activity are all crucial measures to mitigate the risks associated with data breaches. Additionally, staying informed about breaches and understanding the potential risks can help individuals take proactive steps to protect their identity and financial well-being.

The NPD breach serves as a reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime and the importance of cybersecurity. With data breaches becoming more common and more severe, it is vital for both companies and consumers to take cybersecurity seriously and to be prepared for the potential consequences of a breach. As the situation with NPD continues to unfold, more information will likely come to light, further illustrating the dangers posed by data breaches and the need for robust security measures to protect personal information.

Steps You Can Take

To protect yourself from the risks associated with data breaches like this, individuals can take several proactive steps:

1. Check to see if your data was in the Breach: While it is possible that billions of identities were included in this breach, it is important to know if you’ve been exposed.  Pentester.com has published an NPD Breach Check tool to see if your data has been included in this breach. The Data Dividend Project and Atlas Privacy also launched their own National Public Data Breach Search where you can search by additional information such as Social Security Number or phone number.
   
2. Freeze Your Credit: Placing a freeze on your credit report with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) can help prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. A credit freeze is free and can be lifted temporarily when you need to apply for credit.
   
3. Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious activity or inaccuracies. You can obtain a free credit report once a week from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for unfamiliar accounts, addresses, or inquiries.
   
4. Set Up Fraud Alerts: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report. This will notify potential creditors to verify your identity before extending credit in your name, making it harder for criminals to use your information.
   
5. Use Credit Monitoring Services: Enroll in a credit monitoring service that will notify you of any significant changes to your credit report, such as new accounts or inquiries. Some services also offer identity theft insurance and recovery assistance.
   
6. Secure Your Online Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification to access your accounts.
   
7. Regularly Check Financial Accounts: Monitor your bank and credit card accounts frequently for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.
   
8. Consider Identity Theft Protection Services: These services can help detect, prevent, and resolve identity theft issues. They often include features like credit monitoring, dark web scanning, and identity restoration support.

By taking these steps, individuals can reduce their risk of identity theft and better protect themselves in the event of a data breach.