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  • Edmond Thorne

    FL. Residents Caught In Yet Another Massive Data Breach. Class Action In Works

    5 days ago
    User-posted content
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3IHIN5_0umggYK900
    Jerico Pictures Inc & National Publix Data Information Scum SuckersPhoto byOCMM

    Florida Company Jerico Pictures Inc DBA National Public Data Responsible for Massive Data Breach. Exposes Personal Information of 3 Billion Individuals.

    Oakland Park, FL: In a devastating revelation, Jerico Pictures Inc., a background-check company operating under the name National Public Data, Headquarted in Florida, reported a massive data breach in April 2024 that compromised the personal information of nearly 3 billion individuals. This breach, one of the largest in history, has raised significant concerns about data security and privacy.

    While the exact nature of the compromised data remains unclear, it is believed to include a vast array of personally identifiable information (PII). Based on Jerico Pictures' line of business, this could include names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and potentially even more sensitive data like financial records and medical histories.

    Adding to the concern is Jerico Pictures' data collection practices. The company scrapes PII from non-public sources, meaning individuals never knowingly consented to having their data collected. This raises serious questions about data privacy and the company's responsibility to protect sensitive information.

    The Hack and Its Perpetrators
    The breach was orchestrated by a cybercriminal group known as USDoD, which managed to infiltrate Jerico Pictures' network and exfiltrate sensitive data. On April 8, 2024, the group posted a database titled "National Public Data" on a dark web forum, claiming to have the personal data of 2.9 billion people. The database was put up for sale for a staggering $3.5 million

    Data Compromised
    The stolen data includes highly sensitive information such as:

    • Full names
    • Phone numbers
    • Email addresses
    • Financial information, including credit card numbers and bank account details
    • Social Security numbers
    • Current and past addresses spanning decades
    • Information about relatives, including some deceased, for nearly two decades

    This extensive dataset poses a severe risk to the affected individuals, as it can be used for various malicious activities, including identity theft, financial fraud, and more.

    Potential Damage
    The implications of this data breach are far-reaching. With Social Security numbers and other personal information exposed, individuals are at risk of:

    • Identity theft: Criminals can use the stolen information to open bank accounts, apply for loans, and commit other fraudulent activities in the victims' names.
    • Financial fraud: Unauthorized transactions and purchases can be made using the compromised data.
    • Privacy invasion: Personal details can be exploited for phishing attacks, blackmail, and other malicious purposes.

    The Damage: A Lifetime of Consequences
    The consequences can be severe and long-lasting for those whose information is included in the breach. Victims may face:

    • Identity theft: With sensitive information in the wrong hands, individuals may find themselves facing financial ruin, credit damage, and a loss of personal security.
    • Financial exploitation: Stolen financial information can be used to make unauthorized transactions, drain bank accounts, and accumulate debt.
    • Phishing scams: Email addresses and phone numbers can be used to launch targeted phishing attacks, tricking victims into divulging even more sensitive information.

    Class Action Lawsuit
    In response to the breach, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Jerico Pictures Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Case No. 0:24-cv-61383). The lawsuit, led by plaintiff Christopher Hofmann, accuses Jerico Pictures of negligence, unjust enrichment, and breaches of fiduciary duty and third-party beneficiary contract. The plaintiffs seek monetary relief and demand that Jerico Pictures implement stringent data protection measures, including data encryption, database scanning, and regular cybersecurity assessments.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1unKeI_0umggYK900
    Class ActionPhoto byOCMM

    Protecting Yourself from Further Damage
    Taking immediate action is crucial for those affected by the data breach to mitigate potential harm. Here are some steps to protect yourself:

    • Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
    • Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Beware of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from Jerico Pictures or any other organization requesting your personal information.
    • Credit Freeze: Consider placing a freeze on your credit reports to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
    • Identity Theft Protection: Enroll in an identity theft protection service that can alert you to suspicious activity and assist in recovery efforts.
    • Change Passwords: Update passwords for all your online accounts, especially those linked to sensitive information.
    • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible.
    • Sign Up for Identity Theft Protection: Several services can help you monitor your personal information and alert you to any suspicious activity.

    As this story continues to develop, government agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, are launching investigations into the breach. Jerico Pictures Inc. has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. Companies must prioritize the protection of sensitive information and take all necessary steps to safeguard it from cyberattacks. The consequences of a breach can be severe, both for the affected individuals and the company itself.

    Thank you for reading this article. I would appreciate hearing what you think. Please hit the LIKE, SHARE, and FOLLOW buttons.

    Research and source materials:

    https://news.bloomberglaw.com/privacy-and-data-security/background-check-data-of-3-billion-stolen-in-breach-suit-says

    https://dockets.justia.com/docket/florida/flsdce/0:2024cv61383/672206

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/07/18/data-breach-what-to-do/74441060007/

    https://www.msdlegal.com/blog/2024/08/jerico-pictures-inc-data-breach-class-action-lawsuit-investigation/

    https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/filings/DEDFGUXI/Cotton_et_al_v_Jerico_Pictures_Inc__flsdce-24-61396__0001.0.pdf

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2024/06/05/how-to-minimize-the-damage-from-data-breaches/

    https://www.zdnet.com/article/hacker-puts-up-for-sale-third-round-of-hacked-databases-on-the-dark-web/

    https://www.identityiq.com/data-breaches/what-are-the-risks-of-a-data-breach/

    https://www.msdlegal.com/blog/2024/08/jerico-pictures-inc-data-breach-class-action-lawsuit-investigation/


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