How to Check If Your Social Security Number Was Compromised in the Recent Data Breach.

Recently, a significant data breach at National Public Data has exposed a massive amount of personal information, including Social Security numbers. This breach, reportedly executed by the cybercrime group USDoD, involved the theft of around 2.9 billion records, which are now allegedly being sold on the dark web for $3.5 million. Although National Public Data has confirmed the breach, they have not fully detailed the extent of the compromised data, only stating that approximately 1.3 million individuals might be affected.

To find out if your Social Security number was part of this breach, you can use two newly established websites. Pentester.com, run by the cybersecurity firm Pentester, allows you to check for potential exposure by entering your first name, last name, state, and date of birth. They emphasize that they do not store your search data and caution that some other sites may be fraudulent, so it’s essential to use trusted sources. Another option is NPDBreach.com, operated by Atlas Privacy. This site lets you search using various personal identifiers, including your Social Security number or phone number. They claim to hash your search locally to protect your privacy and do not store any search data.

If you find that your Social Security number has been compromised, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect yourself. Start by monitoring your credit reports from the major credit reporting agencies—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian—to spot any unusual or unauthorized activity. You might also consider placing a fraud alert or freezing your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Additionally, keep a close watch on your financial accounts for any suspicious transactions and report any unauthorized activity to your bank right away. Stay informed by following updates from National Public Data and other official sources regarding the breach.

Vigilance is key in the wake of such a massive breach. By using reliable tools to check if your information was compromised and taking proactive measures, you can help safeguard your personal and financial information from potential misuse.

Learn more about the data breach by reading our other article. 

Hackers Steal 1.3 Million Social Security Numbers in National Public Data (itsaboutusa.com)