Recently, National Public Data, a background check company owned by Jerico Pictures Inc., revealed a massive data breach that may have affected billions of personal records. The breach, which was brought to light after a proposed class action lawsuit, has raised concerns about the security of personal information. Reports suggest that over 2.7 billion records may have been compromised, including sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, names, email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses.
As experts delve into the breached data, they have found that much of the information was already available and not entirely accurate. This raises questions about the value and reliability of the data collected by National Public Data. Some experts argue that because the company gathers data from various sources, including public records and web scraping, the information may be outdated or incorrect. While certain information, such as property ownership or tax payments, is considered public record, the aggregation of such data can paint an intrusive picture of an individual without their permission.
In response to the breach, consumers are rightly concerned about the security of their personal information. Certain cyber groups have set up websites for individuals to check if their data was affected by the breach. While these tools can provide some insight, users are advised to proceed with caution and avoid entering sensitive information such as Social Security numbers.
If you discover that your information was compromised, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. One of the most essential actions is to freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your credit report by malicious actors. However, bear in mind that you may need to unfreeze your credit temporarily if you plan to apply for new credit.
Enhancing Personal Data Security
In addition to freezing your credit, there are other measures you can take to enhance the security of your personal information. It is crucial to change all your passwords regularly, especially if you use the same password across multiple websites. Implementing multi-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security to your online accounts, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Furthermore, consider investing in identity theft monitoring tools and dark web monitoring services. These services can alert you if someone tries to use your personal information to open accounts or if your data appears on the dark web. While legal avenues may exist for seeking compensation for data breaches, the likelihood of significant payouts is generally low. It is essential to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting your personal information in an increasingly digital world.
The National Public Data breach serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information in today’s interconnected world. While data breaches are unfortunately common, individuals can take steps to mitigate the risks and protect their privacy. By staying informed, practicing good cybersecurity habits, and leveraging available resources, consumers can enhance their data security and minimize the impact of potential breaches.