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.
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.
The stolen data includes:
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:
Remember to check any previous names or states where you've lived.
If your data was leaked, criminals could potentially:
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.
Whether or not your information appears in this breach, here are the steps everyone should take to protect their identity:
The numbers are clear: 70% of data breaches in 2024 stem from human error. To protect your business:
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