https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1emmz1r/3_billion_national_public_data_records_with_ssns/ National Public Data, a service by Jerico Pictures Inc., suffered a massive breach. Hacker “Fenice” leaked 2.9 billion records with personal details, including full names, addresses, and SSNs in plain text. The breach poses significant risks for identity theft and financial fraud. Jerico Pictures Inc. faces potential lawsuits and legal challenges due to the incident.”
https://www.malwarebytes.com/cybersecurity/basics/ssn-on-dark-web What to do if your SSN is found on the Dark Web Discovering that your Social Security Number has been exposed on the dark web is no doubt concerning , but taking decisive, informed action can significantly mitigate potential damage. Sadly, it’s impossible to remove a SSN from the dark web. However, there are things you can do to help protect your identity: Prevent future identity theft by making it harder for someone to apply for credit in your name: Freeze your credit: Immediately contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to freeze your credit. This prevents cybercriminals from opening new accounts in your name. Set up fraud alerts: Place fraud alerts on your credit reports. This requires creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit. Review your financial statements to make sure you haven’t already fallen victim to identity theft: Look at your credit reports: Review your credit reports and look for any unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You’re entitled to free reports annually from each credit bureau, and monitoring services can provide more frequent access. Check your bank and credit card statements: Scrutinize your financial statements for signs of unauthorized transactions. Immediately report any discrepancies to your bank or credit card issuer. Report the incident: If you discover you’re a victim of identity theft, the first step is to report it to the authorities: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. This provides you with an official identity theft report and a recovery plan. Speak to local law enforcement: Consider filing a police report, especially if you have evidence of fraud or identity theft. Secure your online presence: Criminals are after all of your assets: Passwords: Change passwords for online accounts, especially those associated with financial services, email, and social media. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and consider using a [password manager](https://www.malwarebytes.com/what-is-password-manager). Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer it, adding an extra layer of security beyond just a password. Stay vigilant: People report an increase in scam attempts after their information is exposed in a breach: Set up ongoing monitoring: Sign up for credit and identity monitoring services that can alert you to any future threats to your identity or changes in your credit report. Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and protective measures. Knowledge is a powerful tool in preventing future identity theft. Seek professional help if needed: For complex cases of identity theft or if you feel overwhelmed by the process, consider seeking assistance from professionals specializing in identity theft recovery. How to freeze your social security number? If you know that your SSN is compromised, consider blocking electronic access to it. You can do this by calling the National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
