Hackers May have Stolen Almost Every American’s Social Security Number [Stay Alert]

* This article contains sentences rewritten with the help of AI software

A group of hackers has reportedly stolen the personal information of nearly three billion people (hackers group claims to have 2.9 billion records), including the Social Security numbers of every American, raising fears of a massive wave of identity theft. This alarming event occurred in April, as detailed in a class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The lawsuit alleges that a hacking group known as USDoD is responsible for the breach, having stolen the data from National Public Data, a company that provides personal information to employers, private investigators, and others for background checks.

The hacking group, USDoD, initially attempted to sell the stolen data for $3.5 million. However, they have now released most of the information for free on an online exchange where stolen personal data is shared. The data reportedly includes 2.9 billion records containing personal information from individuals in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Hackers steal important informationPhoto byShisui (myself)

Multiple news outlets have examined samples of the stolen data and confirmed that it appears to be genuine, containing real people's information. Despite numerous requests from the media, National Public Data has not provided any comments regarding the breach.

National Public Data confirms security breach, exposing Social Security numbers

​According to Bleeping Computer, a tech news website, each record in the stolen data includes a person’s name, mailing address, and Social Security number. Some records also contain additional details, such as other names associated with the person. Alarmingly, none of this data was encrypted, making it even more vulnerable to misuse.

​In response to this breach, experts recommend freezing your credit files with the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. By doing so, you can prevent others from opening credit accounts or signing up for credit cards in your name. However, if you need to apply for something that requires a credit check, you will have to temporarily lift the freeze.

​One important caution: be wary of unsolicited emails claiming to be from the credit bureaus offering help. Experts warn that such emails are likely scams, with the sender pretending to protect you from other scammers.

Source: News Nation​