A hacking group known as USDoD has reportedly stolen billions of personal records from millions of individuals, including sensitive Social Security numbers. The breach is said to have occurred around April 2024, as detailed in a class-action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to allegations, the group compromised data from National Public Data, affecting approximately 2.9 billion people.
The law firm Schubert, Jonckheer & Kolbe shared that the stolen data amounted to around 277.1 gigabytes, containing names, address histories, relatives, and Social Security numbers spanning over three decades. The group has allegedly sold this information on the dark web for $3.5 million.
To aid individuals potentially affected by this breach, here are some steps Texans can take to protect their information:
**How to Freeze Your Credit**
If you suspect that your personal information has been compromised, freezing your credit can be a crucial step in preventing fraud. A credit freeze limits access to your credit report, thus enhancing your financial security. Here is how to initiate the process through the three major credit bureaus:
1. **Equifax:**
– Online: Go to the Equifax Credit Freeze page.
– Phone: Call Equifax at 1-800-685-1111.
– Mail: Send a request including your name, address, Social Security number, and identity documentation to Equifax, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348.
2. **Experian:**
– Online: Visit the Experian Credit Freeze page.
– Phone: Call Experian at 1-888-397-3742.
– Mail: Send a request including similar details to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.
3. **TransUnion:**
– Online: Access the TransUnion Credit Freeze page.
– Phone: Call TransUnion at 1-888-909-8872.
– Mail: Send your request to TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094, ensuring you include necessary personal information.
**What to Do If Your Information Was Stolen**
If you believe your data has been compromised, the Texas Attorney General’s office suggests several precautions:
– Store sensitive documents securely and limit what you carry.
– Do not share personal information over the phone, in the mail, or online without verifying the other party’s identity.
– Review credit card receipts for security.
– Use only one credit card for online purchases and consider deregistering from prescreened credit offers.
– Properly dispose of personal documentation and data on devices before getting rid of them.
**Protecting Your Personal Data Online**
It is important to take steps to safeguard your information on the internet:
1. Use strong, unique passwords for each website and consider using a password manager.
2. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
3. Stay cautious of phishing scams.
4. Regularly update your software.
5. Use encrypted connections (HTTPS) and a VPN, especially on public Wi-Fi.
6. Limit personal information sharing on social media.
7. Regularly review privacy settings on accounts and remove unnecessary permissions.
8. Secure your devices with passwords or biometric authentication.
9. Backup important data regularly.
By following these guidelines, individuals can better protect themselves against potential threats to their personal information. Additionally, freezing your credit card can prevent unauthorized charges; this can be done by contacting your credit card issuer directly.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.