In September 2024, National Public Data confirmed that a massive cyberattack had compromised the personal information of millions of people. The exposed data includes names, email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers—impacting up to 2.9 billion individuals. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect your business.
What Happened?
National Public Data, a company specializing in providing consumer data for background checks, criminal records, and more, was hacked. The breach began in December 2023 when a third-party actor gained access to their systems. In April 2024, a cybercriminal known as “USDoD” posted the stolen data online. By August, the dataset had resurfaced across multiple breach forums, free for anyone to access.
The compromised data includes personally identifiable information such as names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, and Social Security numbers. While some of the data may seem common or already public, having this much information in one place presents a serious risk to individuals and businesses.
Why This Breach Is a Threat to Your Business
Even if some of this information is publicly available, its easy accessibility in one dataset is a goldmine for criminals. It makes it simpler for them to commit identity theft, apply for credit cards and loans, or even open new bank accounts under false identities. Beyond financial fraud, this information can be used to answer security questions that protect your accounts, opening the door for hackers to bypass authentication measures.
This breach also puts businesses at increased risk of targeted phishing and smishing (SMS phishing) attacks. Cybercriminals may use this leaked information to craft convincing messages, making it more likely that your employees, clients, or partners could be tricked into revealing sensitive business data or falling victim to scams.
Could You Be Affected, Even If You’ve Never Heard of National Public Data?
Yes. Just because you haven’t personally interacted with National Public Data doesn’t mean your information hasn’t been collected by others who rely on their services. Landlords, staffing agencies, human resources departments, and even government entities may have used National Public Data to access your information. If they’ve been compromised, your data could be at risk.
Steps to Protect Your Business and Personal Information
Step 1: Check if Your Data Has Been Exposed
Use tools like npd.pentester.com to see if your information is part of this breach. If it is, take immediate action to mitigate the risks.
Step 2: Freeze Your Credit and Monitor Your Reports
One of the best ways to protect your identity is to freeze your credit. This prevents criminals from opening new accounts in your name. Contact Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian to request a freeze. It’s free and takes just a few minutes for each credit bureau. Be sure to review your credit report for any unfamiliar activity and set up alerts for future monitoring.
Step 3: Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals often use data breaches like this one to launch phishing attacks. Be cautious of any suspicious emails, phone calls, or text messages. Warn your team to be on high alert for phishing attempts that could compromise your business’s security.
Your Responsibility as a Business Owner
This breach highlights the critical importance of cybersecurity for all businesses. Whether your company handles customer data, employee records, or sensitive business information, you must take proactive steps to safeguard against cyber threats. A data breach not only puts your business at risk but also your clients, employees, and reputation.
We Can Help You Protect Your Business
If you’re unsure whether your network is secure or if your data might have been compromised, we’re here to help. Our FREE Security Risk Assessment will give you a detailed look into your network’s vulnerabilities and provide a clear action plan to strengthen your defenses. Don’t wait for an attack to happen—get ahead of cyber threats.
Contact us today to schedule your assessment. Call 440-322-4537 or click here to book online.
By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce your business’s risk and protect what matters most. Don’t let a data breach be the reason your business suffers. Take control now!
