Major Data Breach Exposed Social Security Numbers

A significant data breach has compromised social security numbers alongside other personal information like names, email addresses, and phone numbers, affecting nearly every individual covered by the National Public Data service. The breach began when a threat actor attempted to sell billions of records, and subsequently, a more comprehensive version of the database was shared online. This alarming incident highlights the persistent issue of data breaches, with class action lawsuits already filed against the company responsible for the exposed data. Individuals are advised to take action by freezing their credit, which can help protect against identity theft, particularly for minors whose credit may go unchecked for years.