Social Security Numbers of Every American Hacked; What to Do?
Behind the Data Theft of Social Security Numbers, Who Is It?
In April, a hacker group known as USDoD declared that they had obtained personal information from National Public Data in a significant data breach. According to the Los Angeles Times, which cited a class-action lawsuit filed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the NPD is a platform that provides personal information to employers, private investigators, recruiting agencies, and anyone undertaking background checks.
To a hacker site, USDoD offered to sell the stolen records, which contained personal information about every person in the US, UK, and Canada. The USDoD was requesting $3.5 million for the complete database; however, other sources have released massive amounts of the information.
Steps to Take Immediately After the Breach
- Freeze Your Credit: Get information about a credit freeze by giving the three credit bureaus a call: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It will guarantee that nobody will be able to create any accounts in your name.
- Keep an Eye on Your Financial Accounts: Make sure to keep a regular eye on your credit card and bank statements. To prevent further harm from stolen Social Security numbers, monitor your credit report for any unusual items.
- Report Identity Theft to the FTC: If your Social Security number has been stolen, you should notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the relevant authorities. You will receive an Identity Theft Report from the FTC, which you may use to handle any issues arising from the security breach associated with hackers.
iProVPN As a Solution
Using iProVPN is one of the finest defenses, no matter where you are in the world, against hackers and other dangerous entities. There are many more actions you can take to secure yourself and your data.
Why Use iProVPN?
The following privacy features of iProVPN assist in safeguarding your identity and guarantee that the miscreants are not after you. When using iProVPN, those hackers are going to be mostly useless when it comes to tracking your activity or linking it to your machine for the simple reason that the actual IP address shall be concealed while your connection shall be tunneled through safe servers.
Besides, the iProVPN utilizes an advanced security mechanism in such a way that even if someone intercepts your connection, they will not compromise you. This becomes rather essential when dealing with information such as the SSN, bank details or health details. Given the recent Social Security number hack, use iProVPN to add extra protection against other cyber threats.
How to Use iProVPN for Protection
Setting up iProVPN is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to start protecting your data:
- Download the App: Open your web browser and visit the iProVPN website to download the app for Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android.
- Install the App: Follow the installation instructions for your device.
- Create an Account: Set up a free account and choose the subscription type that best suits your needs.
- Connect to a Server: After logging in, choose a server from the app interface. To enhance your security, select a server located far from your geographical location.
- Enable Extra Security Features: iProVPN offers additional security features, including a kill switch (which automatically disconnects the internet in case of danger) and DNS leak protection.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Plan
- Using antivirus scans to find and remove any undesirable software.
- To stop unwanted users from accessing your network, install firewalls.
- Encrypt sensitive information in communications to prevent unauthorized access.
iProVPN is a crucial part of this plan since it provides strong encryption to safeguard your online activities. Adding more security technologies to your system can help further assure the safety of your data in a dangerous world.
What to Do If Your Social Security Numbers Have Already Been Compromised
If your Social Security number has been used fraudulently, take quick action.
- File a Police Report: Report the identity theft occurrence to the local authorities.
- Obtain an Identity Theft Report: You can resolve any issues resulting from the theft and restore your credit by contacting the FTC to file an Identity Theft Report.
- Set up a Security Freeze or Fraud Alert: Contact the credit bureaus to have a fraud alert placed on your credit record. Additionally, a security freeze will stop future identity theft.
- Sign Up for a Credit Watch Service: Credit monitoring services can assist you in keeping an eye out for any anomalies in your financial records, even if they may be costly.
Conclusion
The recent data breach exposing millions of Americans’ Social Security numbers highlights the urgent need to address modern technology’s risks. Even though there will be serious repercussions, quick intervention can lessen the harm. Safeguarding your personal information requires using technologies like iProVPN, keeping a tight eye on your accounts, and preventing identity theft.
It’s critical to protect your identity online in this increasingly linked world. You may keep one step ahead of fraudsters and secure your personal information by using iProVPN. This will help prevent future security breaches.
If your Social Security number has been stolen, take these steps immediately to minimize further damage and protect yourself.
FAQs
- What should I do if my Social Security number is stolen in a data breach?
If your Social Security number is stolen:
- Immediately freeze your credit with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
- Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly for any unusual activity.
- Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file an Identity Theft Report.
- What information was stolen in the recent Social Security data breach?
The breach included 2.7 billion records, including the physical addresses and Social Security numbers (SSNs) of Americans. Hackers obtained this data from National Public Data and shared it on online forums.
- Why is freezing my credit important after a data breach?
Freezing your credit prevents any unauthorized individuals from opening new accounts in your name, effectively reducing the risk of identity theft after your SSN has been compromised.
- How do I report a stolen Social Security number to the FTC?
You can visit the FTC’s website and file a report under their Identity Theft section. They will provide guidance and help you generate an Identity Theft Report, which you can use to resolve issues related to fraud.
- What else should be part of my cybersecurity plan after a data breach?
In addition to using iProVPN, your cybersecurity plan should include:
- Antivirus software to detect and remove any malicious files.
- A firewall to block unauthorized access to your network.
- Encrypting sensitive communication to prevent unauthorized access.
- Should I hire a credit monitoring service if my Social Security number is compromised?
Yes, credit monitoring services can help you detect any unusual activity in your credit accounts. They provide alerts in case your personal information is being misused.
- What is the role of USDoD in the recent Social Security number breach?
The hacker group USDoD claimed responsibility for the breach. They accessed personal data through National Public Data and attempted to sell it on a hacker site for $3.5 million.
- How can I set up iProVPN to protect my data?
Setting up iProVPN is easy. Simply download the app from their website, install it on your device, create an account, and connect to a server. iProVPN also offers additional features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection for enhanced security.
