In today’s digital age, cybercriminals are increasingly stealing personal data. It was recently announced that 2.7 billion records of personal data including names, addresses and social security numbers were stolen in April this year from the background-checking service, National Public Data. Data breaches are becoming alarmingly common, leaving individuals vulnerable to identity theft and financial loss.   

To learn more about this data breach, check out Almost 2.7 Billion Data Records From National Public Data Leaked.

You can check to see if your SSN was found in the National Public Data leak by going to https://npd.pentester.com/. 

Safeguarding Your Data

• Use Unique Passwords for Every Account: Using the same password across multiple platforms is akin to using the same key for every door. Protect your data by creating unique, one-of-a-kind passwords for each of your online accounts.    

• Use a Password Manager: Managing numerous complex passwords can be overwhelming. A password manager securely stores your credentials, generating strong passwords and auto-filling login information.  The University offers Keeper Password Manager for free to all faculty, staff and students. Once you’ve signed up, you can also share this service with up to 5 family members.  

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):  Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.   It’s important to enable 2FA on financial accounts like bank accounts or credit cards to prohibit cybercriminals from gaining access to your account.  

• Regularly Review Financial Statements: Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately.    

• Set Up Credit Monitoring:  Enrolling in credit monitoring services provides real-time alerts of suspicious activity on your credit report. This allows you to detect and address potential identity theft promptly.    

• Freeze Your Credit: Placing a credit freeze with Experian, TransUnion and Equifax will prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name. Credit freezes are easy to lock and unlock, ensuring quick access to your credit when needed, while keeping accounts out of the hands of cybercriminals.  

What to do if you are alerted through credit monitoring or notifications that your SSN has been compromised: 

If someone is using your SSN unlawfully or without your consent, you should take the following steps: 

• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. This website will guide you through the process. 

• File a police report with your local law enforcement agency. While they may not be able to investigate immediately, having a police report can serve as important documentation 

• Monitor your credit reports for any unauthorized accounts or activity.  

• Place a credit freeze on your credit reports with all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.  

• Review your Social Security Statement for any suspicious activity, such as unreported income. 

• Next, contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to prevent potential tax-related fraud. Here’s what to do:  

• Contact the IRS: You can reach the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit by calling 1-800-908-4490. This line is dedicated to assisting individuals who believe they are victims of identity theft involving their tax accounts. 

• Submit an Identity Theft Affidavit: Complete IRS Form 14039, the form used to report suspected identity theft to the IRS. You can submit it online via IdentityTheft.gov, which will forward it to the IRS, or you can download the form from the IRS website and mail it along with your tax return to the address specified on the form. 

• Respond to IRS Notices: If you receive a notice from the IRS indicating that your SSN has been used fraudulently, follow the instructions provided in the notice. Typically, such notices come by snail mail. You may then be required to submit a Form 14039 or other documentation to verify your identity and resolve the issue. 

Finally, if you are a victim of identity theft, who has attempted to fix problems resulting from the misuse but continues to be disadvantaged by using the original number, contact your local Social Security office to apply for a new SSN.