Let's be direct—keeping your identity safe in 2024 is challenging. Between sophisticated cybercriminals and the ocean of personal data floating around online, protecting your Social Security Number isn't getting any easier. Here's what you need to know about the latest major breach and the steps you can take to protect yourself. 

What Happened 

National Public Data (NPD), a company that handles background checks and credit histories, experienced a major data breach. In April 2024, cybersecurity firm Hackmanac discovered that criminals had stolen 2.9 billion records from NPD's databases. This breach affects individuals who have Social Security Numbers across multiple countries—including the U.S., UK, and Canada. Whether you're an American citizen or a resident of the UK or Canada who has been assigned an SSN, your information could be involved. 

The story took an interesting turn after the initial breach. First, a hacker posted the database for sale on a forum, asking $3.5 million for the data. After several months with no takers, a different threat actor—who either stole the database from the original hacker or independently breached NPD (this remains unclear)—released the entire dataset for free in August 2024. 

Important Context About This Breach 

Before we dive into the details, let's put this in perspective: Much of the information exposed in this breach (names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth) is already available through various online sources. What makes this breach significant is the exposure of Social Security Numbers alongside this other information. A threat actor can leverage this piece of PII to much more devastating results if not put in check with the proper security protocols.  

However, being on the list doesn't mean you're in immediate danger, and being absent from it doesn't mean you're completely safe. Think of this breach as a wake-up call—a reminder that we all need to take proactive steps to protect our identity, regardless of whether we're on the list or not.

Threat actors and cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, always searching for new methods of attack. As they adapt and develop more sophisticated approaches, we must evolve our protective measures to stay ahead of them. Yesterday's defenses may not be enough for tomorrow's threats, which is why understanding incidents like this breach is crucial for maintaining strong security practices. 

What's in the Mix? 

The stolen data includes: 

• Your name (first and last) 
• Where you live
• When you were born
• Your phone number
• Your Social Security Number

While 2.9 billion records sounds staggering, further investigation revealed about 130 million unique individuals were affected. Check If You're Affected 

You can easily check if your data was compromised at https://npd.pentester.com by entering: 

• Your name
• Date of birth
• State where you live 

Remember to check any previous names or states where you've lived. 

Understanding the Real Risks 

If your data was leaked, criminals could potentially: 

• Open new lines of credit in your name 
• Access your government records
• Claim your benefits
• Open bank accounts under your identity

However, it's important to understand that having your information exposed doesn't guarantee you'll become a victim of identity theft. What it does mean is that you should take preventive measures to protect yourself—steps that are actually wise for everyone to take in today's digital world. 

Your Protection Plan 

Whether or not your information appears in this breach, here are the steps everyone should take to protect their identity:  

1. Take Control of Your SSN: Create an account with the Social Security Administration. This helps you monitor and control access to your SSN. 
2. Freeze Your Credit: Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to freeze your credit. This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. 
   
3. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your account activity. Early detection of suspicious activity is crucial. 
4. Strengthen Your Security: Use a password manager and enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts. These simple steps significantly improve your security.

Protecting Your Business 

The numbers are clear: 70% of data breaches in 2024 stem from human error. To protect your business: 

• Train employees to identify phishing emails 
• Conduct regular security exercises
• Keep systems updated and protected

The Bottom Line 

The 2024 SSN Breach is serious, but you can take concrete steps to protect yourself. At Secure Compliance Solutions, we believe in providing clear, actionable information to help you navigate these challenges. 

Need help understanding your security risks? We're here to help—with straight talk and practical solutions. 

Stay secure, Your team at SCS