According to official’s, allegations arose in a lawsuit files earlier in August by Christopher Hofmann, a resident of California has claimed that his identity theft protection service alerted him that his personal information had been leaked to the dark web by the “nationalpublicdata.com” breach.  This is a breach which took place during the month of April 2024, from a hacking group called USDoD exfiltrating several gigabytes of unencrypted personal information for billions of individuals.

The breach is reported to have exposed nearly 2.7 billion records, with each listing the full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and phone number, according to the Cyber Security website Bleeping Computer (bleepingcomputer.com).

In a statement posted to it website, NPD said the breach involved a “third-party bad actor that was trying to hack into data in late December of 2024, with potential leaks of certain data in April 2024 and summer of the same year.  With the significant number of leaked data, it is still unclear exactly the number of specific individuals have been affected.  However with there being roughly 300 millions people living in the U.S., and the suite alleging “billions of records” being stollen, it is better to err on the side of caution.

What Hackers Can Do with Your Social Security Number

Once hackers obtain your SSN, they can use it for a variety of malicious purposes:

  1. Identity Theft: The most common use of a stolen SSN is identity theft. Hackers can open credit accounts, apply for loans, or obtain government benefits in your name. This can ruin your credit score and leave you with significant financial liabilities.
  2. Tax Fraud: Hackers may use your SSN to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds in your name. This can lead to complications when you try to file your legitimate tax return.
  3. Medical Identity Theft: With your SSN, hackers can receive medical treatment or prescriptions under your name, leading to inaccuracies in your medical records and potentially leaving you responsible for medical bills.
  4. Employment Fraud: Criminals may use your SSN to obtain employment, leaving you to deal with tax and legal issues related to income you never earned.

What to Do After Learning Your Social Security Number Has Been Compromised

If you discover that your SSN has been stolen, immediate action is crucial to mitigate the damage:

  1. Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it harder for hackers to open new accounts in your name.
  2. Monitor Your Credit: Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can obtain free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com.
  3. Freeze Your Credit: Consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts. This prevents lenders from accessing your credit report, making it nearly impossible for hackers to open new accounts in your name.
  4. Report Identity Theft: If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will help you create a recovery plan and provide you with necessary resources.
  5. Notify the IRS: If you believe your SSN has been used for tax fraud, contact the IRS immediately. They can flag your account to prevent further fraudulent activity.
  6. File a Police Report: In some cases, filing a police report can be necessary, especially if your identity has been severely compromised.

How to Protect Yourself from Future Theft

Taking proactive measures to protect your SSN is essential:

  1. Guard Your SSN: Only share your SSN when absolutely necessary. Be cautious of unsolicited requests for your SSN, especially via phone or email.
  2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
  3. Be Wary of Scams: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts and other scams. Always verify the legitimacy of requests for your personal information.
  4. Secure Your Devices: Keep your devices secure by updating software regularly, using antivirus protection, and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions.

While hackers continue to develop new methods to steal Social Security numbers, you can significantly reduce your risk by staying informed and taking proactive steps. By acting quickly if your SSN is compromised, you can minimize the damage and protect your financial well-being.

Furthermore, Natural Networks is a fully managed IT services provider, we pride ourselves on always adhering to best cybersecurity practices.  If you want to partner with an expert in the IT and Cybersecurity space who can help ensure your data remains in your hands, we want to hear from you today!