A cybersecurity nightmare has unfolded as hackers reportedly stole 2.7 billion personal records from National Public Data (NPD), a company that manages information for background checks. This massive breach potentially exposes millions of Americans to identity theft and fraud.
The hacking group, calling themselves ‘USDoD,’ claims to have obtained sensitive data including Social Security numbers and residential addresses of U.S. citizens. They’re now attempting to profit from their cyber heist, offering the stolen information for sale at a staggering $3.5 million.
Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressed his concerns, stating, “This breach is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our digital infrastructure. We must take immediate action to protect American families from these cyber threats.”
NPD now faces legal challenges, with a class-action lawsuit filed in Florida’s U.S. District Court. The company has yet to publicly address the situation, leaving many questions unanswered.
Cybersecurity expert Tom Brown cautioned, “This breach could have long-lasting impacts. Americans need to be proactive in monitoring their credit reports and financial accounts for any suspicious activity.”
The incident has reignited debates about data privacy and security practices. Many are calling for stricter regulations on companies handling sensitive personal information.
Gov. Brian Kemp (R) of Georgia weighed in, saying, “We need a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that protects our citizens’ personal information from falling into the wrong hands.”
As the story develops, experts advise Americans to stay vigilant and take steps to secure their digital identities in the face of this unprecedented cyber attack.
