Important Update: Massive Data Breach at National Public Data – What Ontario Executives Need to Know

In September 2024, National Public Data, a well-known consumer data broker, confirmed a significant data breach affecting millions of individuals. This breach exposed sensitive personal information, including names, email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, potentially impacting up to 2.9 billion records. Here’s what you should understand about this incident.

Overview of the Incident

The breach at National Public Data, which specializes in providing background checks and criminal records to various sectors—including human resources, law enforcement, and private investigators—occurred after a third-party attack that began in December 2023.

In April, a hacker identified as “USDoD” publicly shared the stolen data in a criminal online community. By August 6, this dataset reappeared on several breach forums, available for anyone to access and download.

While the official report from Maine indicated that 1.3 million records might have been affected, some lawsuits suggest that the number could be as high as 2.9 billion. Investigations reveal that while some of the leaked data was inaccurate, the sensitive information is easily exploitable, especially the Social Security numbers.

Why This Breach Poses a Serious Threat

You might wonder why a breach involving data that is often publicly available still poses significant risks. The answer lies in the convenience this information provides to cybercriminals. Consolidating personal details allows hackers to apply for loans, credit cards, or bank accounts using your identity.

Information like previous addresses or the last four digits of your Social Security number can also serve as answers to common security questions, enabling unauthorized access to your accounts. Experts anticipate a rise in phishing and smishing (SMS phishing) attacks in the aftermath of this breach.

Could You Be Affected?

Yes, even if you’ve never engaged with National Public Data directly, your information could still be at risk. Many organizations leverage data from brokers like this one, which means your personal details could have been obtained without your knowledge.

Steps to Protect Yourself

Step 1: Check for Exposure
Use tools like this exposure checker to determine if your data has been compromised. If you find evidence of exposure, swift action is critical.

Step 2: Secure Your Credit
Request a copy of your credit report and consider freezing your credit. This proactive measure stops criminals from opening new credit lines in your name. Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian—to initiate a freeze, which is a straightforward process that typically takes less than 10 minutes per bureau. It’s wise to freeze the credit of all adults in your household as well.

Step 3: Stay Vigilant Against Scams
Be on high alert for phishing attempts, as criminals may use the exposed information to launch scams via phone, email, or social media. Always verify the identity of anyone contacting you for sensitive information.

The Role of Businesses in Cybersecurity

A data breach can have devastating effects on both the organization involved and the individuals whose data is compromised. As a business leader, it’s your responsibility to implement robust security measures to protect your company and your clients’ information.

If you’re concerned about potential vulnerabilities in your network or want to assess whether your data has been compromised. This comprehensive evaluation will help identify security gaps and provide a roadmap for enhancing your defenses.

To schedule your assessment, please call us at 416-900-6047 or click here. Together, we can work towards fortifying your organization against cyber threats.