Everyone's SSN Has Reportedly Been Compromised in a Massive Data Hack

A hacking group allegedly leaked 2.7 billion pieces of data

via Entrepreneur.com, By Emily Rella Edited by Melissa Malamut, Aug 14, 2024

Key Takeaways

• The hacking group USDoD is claiming responsibility for leaking the personal information of Americans for $3.5 million

• The records include names, addresses, and social security numbers

The social security number of every American may have been compromised in a massive cybersecurity breach that could threaten the identity of all citizens.

The hacking group USDoD claims that they've leaked 2.7 billion personal information records, including social security numbers, full names, and home addresses from a data broker called National Public Data (NPD).

NPD is a background check agency that gives sensitive personal information to potential employers and staffing agencies during screening processes, as well as private investigators.

According to a class action lawsuit, NPD obtained the data without consent, and the breach occurred sometime in April 2024.

The lawsuit alleges that "upon information and belief" USDoD was "able to exfiltrate the unencrypted PII of billions of individuals" and that the personal information was "published, offered for sale and sold on the Dark Web by cybercriminals."

According to BleepingComputer, the data was leaked for $3.5 million.

How Do You Know If You Were Hacked?

There are several ways to check if you've had your personal information leaked.

First, monitor your credit reports and look for unauthorized or fraudulent activity, including opening new bank accounts, credit cards, or large withdrawals.

If you receive notice from a debt collector or notice fraudulent activity, contact your financial institutions and law enforcement.

Also, be the first to initiate calls (meaning if you get a call, tell them you'll call back), and don't give out your social security number.

ADDENDUM

Considering the value of SSNs for everyone, the 33.5 million is a very low figure.

We believe this MIGHT be an attempt to get everyone onto a digital ID.

As this is a developing story, be vigilant and DON’T do anything that involves your number being stored on a digital ID.

If anything be sure to subscribe to an alert system that notifies you of your SSN being used for anything, such as Lifelock.