Current:Home > News2.9 billion records, including Social Security numbers, stolen in data hack: What to know -DataFinance
2.9 billion records, including Social Security numbers, stolen in data hack: What to know
View
Date:2025-04-14 12:16:38
An enormous amount of sensitive information including Social Security numbers for millions of people could be in the hands of a hacking group after a data breach and may have been released on an online marketplace, The Los Angeles Times reported this week.
The hacking group USDoD claimed it had allegedly stolen personal records of 2.9 billion people from National Public Data, according to a class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, reported by Bloomberg Law. The breach was believed to have happened in or around April, according to the lawsuit.
Here's what to know about the alleged data breach.
Social security hack:National Public Data confirms massive data breach included Social Security numbers
What information is included in the data breach?
The class-action law firm Schubert, Jonckheer & Kolbe said in a news release that the stolen file includes 277.1 gigabytes of data, and includes names, address histories, relatives and Social Security numbers dating back at least three decades.
According to a post from a cybersecurity expert on X, formerly Twitter, USDoD claims to be selling the 2.9 billion records for citizens of the U.S., U.K. and Canada on the dark web for $3.5 million.
Since the information was posted for sale in April, others have released different copies of the data, according to the cybersecurity and technology news site Bleeping Computer.
A hacker known as "Fenice" leaked the most complete version of the data for free on a forum in August, Bleeping Computer reported.
The news you need to start your day smart. Sign up for USA TODAY's Daily Briefing newsletter.
2025 COLA:Estimate dips with inflation, but high daily expenses still burn seniors
What is National Public Data?
National Public Data is a Florida-based background check company operated by Jerico Pictures, Inc. USA TODAY has reached out to National Public Data for comment.
The company has not publicly confirmed a data breach, but The Los Angeles Times reported that it has been telling people who contacted via email that "we are aware of certain third-party claims about consumer data and are investigating these issues."
What to do if you suspect your information has been stolen
If you believe your information has been stolen or has appeared on the dark web, there are a few steps you can take to prevent fraud or identity theft.
Money.com recommends taking the following steps:
- Make sure your antivirus is up to date and perform security scans on all your devices. If you find malware, most antivirus programs should be able to remove it, but in some cases you may need professional help.
- Update your passwords for bank accounts, email accounts and other services you use, and make sure they are strong and different for every account. Include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and punctuation marks, and never use personal information that a hacker could guess.
- Use multifactor authentication for any accounts or services that offer it to ensure you are the person logging in.
- Check your credit report, and report any unauthorized use of of your credit cards. If you notice any suspicious activity, you can ask credit bureaus to freeze your credit.
- Be careful with your email and social media accounts, and beware of phishing, an attempt to get your personal information by misrepresenting who a message or email is from.
veryGood! (847)
Related
- Trump's 'stop
- Why Gina Gershon Almost Broke Tom Cruise's Nose Filming Cocktail Sex Scene
- The Ultimate Guide to Microcurrent Therapy for Skin: Benefits and How It Works (We Asked an Expert)
- The Latest: With major party tickets decided, 2024 campaign is set to play out as a 90-day sprint
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' is now on Netflix: Get to know the original books
- US women’s volleyball prevailed in a 5-set ‘dogfight’ vs. Brazil to play for Olympic gold
- It Ends With Us' Justin Baldoni Praises Smart and Creative Costar Blake Lively
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- James Webb Telescope reveals mystery about the energy surrounding a black hole
Ranking
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- The Beverly Hills Hotel x Stoney Clover Lane Collab Is Here—Shop Pink Travel Finds & Banana Leaf Bags
- The 10 college football transfers that will have the biggest impact
- American Sam Watson sets record in the speed climb but it's not enough for Olympic gold
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Case that could keep RFK Jr. off New York’s presidential ballot ends
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword, Get Moving! (Freestyle)
- Georgia school chief says AP African American Studies can be taught after legal opinion
Recommendation
Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
Nick Viall Fiercely Defends Rachel Lindsay Against “Loser” Ex Bryan Abasolo
St. Vincent channels something primal playing live music: ‘It’s kind of an exorcism for me’
Former Uvalde schools police chief says he’s being ‘scapegoated’ over response to mass shooting
The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
Snake hunters will wrangle invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades during Florida’s 10-day challenge
An estimated 1,800 students will repeat third grade under new reading law
An estimated 1,800 students will repeat third grade under new reading law