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National Public Data confirmed in September 2024 that a hacker has compromised the personal records of millions of individuals. The information exposed includes the names, e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers and even Social Security numbers of up to 2.9 billion people. Here’s what you need to know.

What happened?

National Public Data, a consumer data broker that specializes in providing criminal records, background checks and other forms of data to private investigators, consumer public record sites, human resources, staffing agencies, the government and more, was hacked. The incident is believed to have started in December 2023 when a third-party bad actor attempted to gain access.

In April, a cybercriminal named “USDoD” posted the stolen data online in a popular criminal community. On August 6, the stolen dataset resurfaced, this time posted for free to several breach forums for anyone to access and download.

The sensitive, personally identifiable information released included names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and Social Security numbers for millions of people, some of whom are deceased. The data also contained previous addresses and, in some instances, alternate names.

The official data breach notice that was filed in Maine indicated that 1.3 million records may have been breached; however, some lawsuits are suggesting as many as 2.9 billion records have been exposed.

As the investigation continues, many cyber experts are finding that some of the data released was inaccurate, and aside from the Social Security numbers, most of it is already public and easy to find online.

So why is this breach dangerous if the information can be found with a quick Google search?

There are several reasons to be concerned. Having all this critical information in one place makes it easy for criminals to use the information needed to apply for credit cards and loans or open new bank accounts.

The information included, such as childhood street names or the last four digits of your Social Security number, are often answers to security questions and can help hackers bypass authentication and access your private accounts.

Some cyber experts are suggesting watching for a surge in phishing and smishing (phishing over SMS) attacks as well.

Can you be affected even if you’ve never heard of National Public Data or purchased data from them?

Yes! Just because you haven’t interacted with them doesn’t mean other organizations, businesses, landlords, etc., haven’t leveraged their resources to dig up information on you.

What should you do to protect yourself?

Step 1: Check to see if your data has been exposed. You can use tools like https://npd.pentester.com/ to find out if your information has been compromised. If so, it’s important to take immediate action.

Step 2: Request a copy of your credit report and then freeze your credit. One of the best ways to protect your identity is to freeze your credit and set up alerts. This prevents criminals from opening up new lines of credit in your name. To do this, contact all three major credit bureaus – Equifax, TransUnion and Experian – and request a freeze.

The process is free and should take you less than 10 minutes per site to complete. If there are others in your house over the age of 18, it’s a good idea to freeze their credit too. Anyone with a Social Security number is vulnerable following a breach of this size.

Once you have a copy of your free credit report, review it for anything that you didn’t authorize. Don’t forget to set up alerts and review your credit regularly.

Step 3: Watch out for phishing scams. As mentioned, many cybercriminals will try to leverage this information to scam you through phone calls, text messages, e-mails and even social media sites. Be cautious!

A data breach is devastating for everyone involved – the business hacked and the customers or employees whose data is leaked. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to make sure you are taking the highest precautions to protect your business and its data. If you want to do a full assessment and find out if any of your information has been leaked or if your network is vulnerable to a breach, we’ll do a FREE Security Risk Assessment. This deep dive into your network will provide you with a blueprint for security steps to take. To book yours, call our office at 480-464-0202.

Software updates can feel like a nuisance, but skipping them is one of the easiest ways to leave your systems vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers are constantly looking for weaknesses, and outdated software is like an open door to your network.
But how do you know when it’s time to update, and should you always trust your computer to tell you? Here are five clear signs it’s time to update, plus tips on how to handle updates safely.

1. Your Software Is No Longer Supported
If the software provider has stopped releasing updates for your current version, it’s a major red flag. Unsupported software often has known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can easily exploit. Check for announcements from your software providers about end-of-life support and upgrade as soon as possible.
Tip: Don’t wait for the software to “break” before updating. Plan ahead and migrate to newer versions while you still have full support.

2. You Notice Slower Performance
A sudden slowdown in your software’s performance can be a sign that it’s out-of-date. Newer versions of software are optimized to run more efficiently, and skipping updates might leave you with buggy, sluggish software.
Tip: If you notice performance drops, check the settings for pending updates or visit the provider’s website to manually download the latest version.

3. You Receive Security Alerts
Has your antivirus or security software flagged vulnerabilities in an application you use? If so, an update is likely overdue. Cybercriminals thrive on exploiting security gaps in outdated software. Always pay attention to security alerts and take them seriously.
Tip: Use a trusted antivirus tool that can integrate with your software and alert you when updates are needed. Make sure you verify the authenticity of any update alerts before clicking.

4. You Haven’t Updated In Over 6 Months
If it’s been more than six months since your last software update, you’re probably due for one. Many providers release updates on a regular schedule to patch vulnerabilities and enhance features.
Tip: Set a reminder to check for updates regularly, rather than waiting for the computer to alert you. This is especially important for critical software, like operating systems and antivirus programs.

5. New Features Have Been Announced
Sometimes updates come with more than just security patches – they also bring new features. If you hear about exciting new functionality that you don’t have, it’s a sign you’re behind on updates.
Tip: Keep an eye on announcements from your software providers. Follow their blogs or sign up for notifications so you’re always aware of improvements.
How To Update Safely

While updating software is crucial, you should always be cautious about how you do it. Here’s how to ensure your updates are safe:

• Verify The Source: Always download updates directly from the provider’s official website or trusted app store. Avoid third-party sites or suspicious links.
• Back Up Your Data: Before any major update, back up important data to an external location. This ensures that if something goes wrong, you won’t lose critical files.
• Restart Your Device: Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the new features and patches are properly installed.
  By staying on top of software updates, you’re not only improving performance but also protecting your systems from potential threats. Don’t wait until it’s too late
• keep your software up-to-date and ensure your network stays secure.

Need help managing your software updates? Call us at 480-464-0202.