The recent massive data breach at National Public Data, a background check company owned by Jerico Pictures Inc., has raised concerns about potential exposure of 2.9 billion personal records. While reports vary on the exact number of records leaked, the breach is a stark reminder of the risks associated with cyber threats.
According to National Public Data, the breached information may have included sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, names, email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses. The breach, perpetrated by a third-party hacker, occurred in December, with potential leaks in April and over the summer. The company has stated that not all of the breached data is accurate and much of it was already publicly available.
Experts emphasize the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard personal information in light of the breach. While it may be challenging to prevent the unauthorized collection of publicly available data, individuals can freeze their credit to block access by bad actors. It is recommended to submit requests to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for a credit freeze. Additionally, changing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and avoiding sharing personal information on public internet platforms are crucial precautions.
Consumers have the option to opt out of data collection by sites like National Public Data, although contacting multiple data brokers can be time-consuming. Paid services that facilitate data broker removal can help streamline the process. Identity theft monitoring services and dark web monitoring tools are also available to alert individuals of any unauthorized account openings or data breaches.
While legal organizations may pursue damages on behalf of those affected by the breach, payouts are typically minimal. Past instances, such as the Equifax breach in 2017, resulted in lawsuit payouts of less than $3 for some individuals. Proving harm resulting specifically from the National Public Data breach can be challenging due to the prevalence of data breaches in today’s digital landscape. Multi-state class action lawsuits may seek to consolidate claims, but establishing causation remains a complex task.
The National Public Data massive data breach underscores the critical need for individuals to protect their personal information from cyber threats. By adopting proactive measures such as credit freezes, password changes, and monitoring services, consumers can mitigate the risks associated with data breaches. While legal avenues may offer recourse for affected individuals, the evolving landscape of data security requires ongoing vigilance and preparedness.