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Hackers may have stolen the Social Security numbers of every American. How to protect yourself

28.10.2024
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Because our personal information is now considered a valuable asset in our world today, hackers and cybercriminals target it heavily. The severity of this issue is highlighted by the recent hack that involved almost every American's Social Security number and sensitive data. The significance of protecting our personal data is starkly brought home by this occurrence.

A breach that demands attention

Consider the implications of having your most sensitive information exposed. This scenario became a reality when the hacking group USDoD claimed to have stolen the personal records of 2.9 billion individuals from National Public Data, a leading data broker. These records allegedly contain full names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and phone numbers—sufficient information for criminals to commit identity theft and fraud.

Similar to the Reddit data attack, a member of this group recently released a significant portion of the stolen data on an online marketplace. As Teresa Murray, Consumer Watchdog Director for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, aptly stated: “This is much more concerning than prior breaches. If people weren’t taking precautions before, this should be a five-alarm wake-up call for them”. The severity of this breach cannot be overstated, highlighting the urgent need for individuals to enhance their data protection measures.

The risks of identity theft

The fallout from this breach could be devastating. With the stolen data, cybercriminals can take control of bank accounts, open new credit lines, and even fabricate identities. Even without email addresses or driver’s licence photos, the information they possess is sufficient to cause significant damage. As Murray warns, the potential for fraud is "endless". The breach underscores the vulnerability of our personal information, emphasising the need for robust security measures.

Must read: What to do if your identity is stolen.

Strengthening your defences

In response to this growing threat, individuals must take proactive steps to protect their personal data. One of the most effective measures is placing a freeze on your credit files with the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This action prevents criminals from opening new accounts in your name, providing a critical layer of protection. However, it's important to remember that you’ll need to temporarily lift the freeze if you apply for credit yourself.

Additionally, consider using a monitoring service that scans the dark web for your information. These services act as a vigilant guard, alerting you to any suspicious activity related to your personal data.

Securing your online presence

Ironically, the accounts most vulnerable to attacks are often those without proper online security. It’s essential to use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and consider employing a password manager to keep track of them. Enabling two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection, requiring a second form of verification, such as a phone, to access your accounts.

Remain cautious of phishing attempts, where scammers impersonate your bank or other trusted entities. If you receive a suspicious request, contact the company directly using a verified method, such as the phone number on the back of your card.

More importantly, using a hide VPN is essential now as it protects your online privacy, encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, making it much harder for hackers to intercept your data. Additionally, it adds an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks. By regularly using a VPN service, you can safeguard your personal information during this dangerous time.

Confronting the reality

Ultimately, the greatest risk may not be the breaches themselves, but our complacency in responding to them. Hackers and scammers are constantly seeking opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities, and they only need one success to cause significant harm. While it's impossible to prevent every breach, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of your personal information being compromised.