Massive data breach exposes 2.7 billion US records online
The incident has led to increased calls for improved data protection and identity theft safeguards.
A massive data breach has resulted in the exposure of over 2.7 billion records from National Public Data (NPD), now available on a criminal forum. The leaked data includes sensitive information such as names, mailing addresses, and Social Security numbers. Although the exact accuracy of the records is unclear, the breach is substantial, potentially affecting a significant portion of the US population.
The stolen database was posted on Breachforums, a site known for distributing such leaks, and was made available for free download. NPD, which compiles and sells personal data from public sources, is facing multiple lawsuits for failing to protect this information. The breach highlights ongoing issues with data security, as this is not the first time NPD’s data has been compromised.
In response to the data breach, there are increased calls for improved data protection measures and identity theft protection. Affected individuals are advised to monitor their accounts and be cautious of phishing attempts. This incident underscores the need for stronger encryption and security practices to safeguard personal data.
NPD has not yet responded to requests for comment. The breach raises serious concerns about the company’s data management practices and its responsibility to protect the information it collects.
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