A hacking group known as USDoD is accused of stealing billions of records from millions of individuals, including their Social Security numbers. The breach reportedly occurred around April 2024, as detailed in a class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to filings, USDoD claims to have taken the personal records of approximately 2.9 billion people from an entity named National Public Data.
Details on the breach reveal that the stolen data consists of 277.1 gigabytes of sensitive information, including names, addresses, family connections, and Social Security numbers dating back three decades. The hacker group is said to have sold this information on the dark web for $3.5 million.
Texans are advised on how to take protective measures regarding their information in light of the recent breach:
If you suspect your personal details have been compromised, a credit freeze can help prevent fraudulent activities by limiting access to your credit report. The process of freezing credit is simple and can be done through the three main credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Here’s how to proceed with each:
1. **Equifax**:
– Online: Visit the Equifax website.
– Phone: Call 1-800-685-1111.
– Mail: Send a request to Equifax at P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348, with your identification details.
2. **Experian**:
– Online: Access the Experian website.
– Phone: Reach out at 1-888-397-3742.
– Mail: Send a request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013, including your identification verification.
3. **TransUnion**:
– Online: Go to the TransUnion website.
– Phone: Call 1-888-909-8872.
– Mail: Direct a request to TransUnion at P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094, making sure to verify your identity.
If your data has been compromised, the Texas attorney general’s office suggests several steps to mitigate potential fraud and identity theft:
– Secure sensitive documents in a safe location.
– Minimize carrying documents like Social Security and Medicare cards.
– Avoid sharing personal information unless there’s a trusted relationship established.
– Check credit card receipts for unusual disclosures of your account number.
– Limit online purchases to one credit card only, avoiding debit card use.
– Opt out of prescreened credit offers to reduce risks of identity theft through mail.
– Shred sensitive documents you no longer need.
– Ensure personal devices are wiped of data before selling or disposing of them.
To safeguard personal data online, consider these protective measures:
1. Utilize strong, unique passwords for different accounts.
2. Enable two-factor authentication for extra security on accounts.
3. Stay alert to phishing scams requesting personal information.
4. Regularly update software on devices to deter threats.
5. Prefer encrypted connections and consider using a VPN in public spaces.
6. Be mindful of the information shared on social media.
7. Regularly check and adjust privacy settings across accounts.
8. Secure devices with PINs or biometric locks, and encrypt sensitive data.
9. Avoid sensitive transactions over public Wi-Fi networks.
10. Back up valuable data to secure locations.
Additionally, freezing your credit card can prevent unauthorized charges. To initiate a freeze, contact your credit card issuer for verification through their customer service options.
By implementing these recommended practices, individuals can significantly enhance their chances of protecting their personal data from future breaches.