Hackers Leak Data of 29 Billion US Citizens
Massive Data Breach Exposes Personal Information
Data Privacy Under Threat
On August 15, 2024, personal data broker National Public Data acknowledged a massive data breach. Almost 27 billion records of personal information for people in the United States were leaked on a hacking forum, exposing names, social security numbers, and other sensitive data.
Cybercriminal Group Claimed Responsibility
The breach is related to an incident from April 8 when a known cybercriminal group named USDoD claimed to have access to the data. According to the new lawsuit, USDoD posted a database called National Public Data on the dark web, claiming to have records of 29 billion US citizens.
Data Broker Acknowledges Breach
National Public Data initially denied the breach, but later acknowledged it after evidence emerged. The company stated that it is "deeply concerned" about the incident and is working with law enforcement to investigate the breach and protect its customers.
Lawsuit Filed Against Data Broker
Following the breach, a lawsuit was filed against National Public Data, alleging negligence and failure to protect customer data. The lawsuit seeks damages and injunctive relief to prevent further breaches.
Cybersecurity Expert Warns of Potential Identity Theft
According to a post from a cybersecurity expert on X formerly Twitter, USDoD claims to be selling the 29 billion records for $100,000 to $200,000. The expert warns that the leaked data could be used for identity theft, fraud, and other malicious purposes.
Impact on Data Privacy
The breach highlights the growing threat to data privacy in the digital age. As more personal data is collected and stored online, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Steps to Protect Yourself
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information online.
- Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity.
- Consider using identity theft protection services.
Conclusion
The National Public Data breach is a stark reminder of the importance of data privacy. Individuals and organizations must take proactive steps to protect their personal information from cybercriminals who seek to exploit it for malicious purposes.
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