• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Linkedin
  • Pinterest
Sunday, May 11, 2025
  • Login
  • Register
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
Mania Africa
MERCH
  • Home
  • News
    • Politics
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Movies
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
    • Community Guidelines & Comment Policy
    • Cookies Policy
  • Patreon
  • Merch
  • Home
  • News
    • Politics
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Movies
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
    • Community Guidelines & Comment Policy
    • Cookies Policy
  • Patreon
  • Merch
No Result
View All Result
Mania Africa
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Movies
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Patreon
  • Merch
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Mania News

World’s Biggest Data Breach?: Personal Information of 2.9 Billion Exposed

by davidmania
August 16, 2024
in Mania News, Mania Tech
1.9k 39
Donate
0
172709670066f1677c4ab84 | Mania Africa: News, Sports, Tech, Movies, and Lifestyle | maniainc.com
703
SHARES
10k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsAppShare on Reddit
ADVERTISEMENT

Contents

      • 0.0.1 Sponsored: Learn How Hackers Can Earn 17.3 Million USD from Your Data
  • 1 World’s Biggest Data Breach?: Personal Information of 2.9 Billion Exposed in National Public Data Hack—How It Happened
    • 1.1 Could This Be the World’s Biggest Data Breach?
    • 1.2 The Threat of Stolen Social Security Numbers in Massive Breach that Exposed PII of 2.9 Billion People
    • 1.3 RelatedPosts
    • 1.4 Unmasking the Killers: BBC Africa Eye’s ‘Blood Parliament’ Exposes Fatal Shootings During Kenya Finance Bill Protests
    • 1.5 Pope Francis’ Legacy: A Pope for the Poor, the Marginalized, and Global Unity
    • 1.6 Trump – Zelensky Spat: Is the Age of Modest Pretense Gone?
      • 1.6.1 The Potential Damage and Consequences
        • 1.6.1.1 The Financial Impact of Stolen Data
  • 2 Major Data Breaches of 2024
    • 2.1 Other Notable Breaches:
  • 3 The Likelihood of an Average American Being Affected by these Data Breaches
    • 3.1 How to Protect Your Data
  • 4 What to Do If Your Data Has Been Misused after Exposure in a Data Breach
  • 5 Ensuring Better Digital Security
  • 6 How Stolen Data Is Used by Hackers
  • 7 Final Thoughts on Massive Data Breach that Exposed Personal Information of 2.9 Billion People
      • 7.0.1 Featured: Secure Your Digital Life with SurfShark ONE: Start Your Free Trial Today!

In one of the largest data breaches ever reported, the personal information of approximately 2.9 billion individuals has been exposed. This breach, revealed through a recent class action lawsuit, involves a substantial amount of sensitive data including full names, addresses, Social Security Numbers (SSNs), and more. The breach is linked to National Public Data, a firm specializing in background checks and fraud prevention. The cybercriminal group responsible, known as USDoD, allegedly stole this data and attempted to sell it on the dark web for $3.5 million. In this article, we analyze the data breach, answer if it is indeed the world’s biggest, tell you what to do if you think you could be affected, and share ways to protect your data from such breaches.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sponsored: Learn How Hackers Can Earn 17.3 Million USD from Your Data

 

 

NordVPN is a powerful VPN and Cyber Security provider that helps you stay safe on the web by keeping your data safe.

They recently conducted a dark web market study and found that hackers can earn more than $17.3 million from your data, underpinning the importance of effective and elaborate data protection mechanisms as you browse the web. Read more about the study here.

To secure your data, consider subscribing to one of NordVPN’s plans, and rest assured that hackers will not get hold of your data and use it for nefarious activities while enriching themselves.

Use this link to get a NordVPN plan.

We may get a commission when you do.

World’s Biggest Data Breach?: Personal Information of 2.9 Billion Exposed in National Public Data Hack—How It Happened

National Public Data amassed this vast trove of personal information through a process known as “scraping.” Scraping involves collecting data from websites and other sources online, often without the explicit consent of the individuals whose data is being gathered. In this case, National Public Data scraped non-public sources for personally identifiable information (PII) of billions of people, many of whom did not willingly provide their data.

National Public Data reported the massive data breach on their website. Source: NPD.

The breach was uncovered through a class action lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida. One of the plaintiffs, notified by an identity theft protection service, discovered their data had been exposed and leaked on the dark web. The lawsuit seeks not only to have National Public Data securely dispose of the compromised data but also to secure compensation for the victims and implement stricter security measures. We tried accessing the National Public Data website but it seems it is inaccessible.

ADVERTISEMENT
We tried accessing National Public Data’s website while doing research for this article but we couldn’t.

Could This Be the World’s Biggest Data Breach?

The sheer scale of the data breach involving National Public Data, which exposed the personal information of 2.9 billion individuals, makes it one of the largest breaches ever recorded. While the exact number of those affected is still being confirmed, the breach rivals previous record-setting incidents, such as the 2013 Yahoo! breach that compromised the data of 3 billion users.

If further investigations reveal that all 2.9 billion individuals’ data was indeed compromised, this breach could potentially take the title of the world’s largest. The global reach of the breach, encompassing data from multiple countries, adds to its significance and the widespread potential damage it can cause.

The Threat of Stolen Social Security Numbers in Massive Breach that Exposed PII of 2.9 Billion People

Among the most concerning aspects of this breach is the exposure of Social Security Numbers (SSNs). SSNs are a critical piece of personal identification in the United States, used for everything from tax filings to credit applications. When hackers gain access to SSNs, they can perpetrate a range of fraudulent activities, including opening new credit accounts, filing fake tax returns, and even stealing benefits. The damage from such activities can be long-lasting, as victims may not realize their SSN has been misused until they experience financial difficulties or are contacted by debt collectors for accounts they never opened.

RelatedPosts

Unmasking the Killers: BBC Africa Eye’s ‘Blood Parliament’ Exposes Fatal Shootings During Kenya Finance Bill Protests

Pope Francis’ Legacy: A Pope for the Poor, the Marginalized, and Global Unity

Trump – Zelensky Spat: Is the Age of Modest Pretense Gone?

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Social Security Numbers are a crucial piece of personally identifiable data that hackers can even use to get access to tax refunds | The Threat of Stolen Social Security Numbers in Massive Breach that Exposed PII of 2.9 Billion People | Mania Tech|
Social Security Numbers are a crucial piece of personally identifiable data that hackers can even use to get access to tax refunds. Photo by Bernard Hermant / Unsplash

The Potential Damage and Consequences

The misuse of stolen SSNs can lead to devastating consequences for victims. Identity theft can ruin an individual’s credit score, making it difficult to obtain loans, mortgages, or even rent a home. In some cases, it can take years to fully recover from the financial and emotional toll of having one’s identity stolen. Additionally, victims may face legal challenges, such as proving they were not responsible for fraudulent activities carried out in their name.

We are officially on WhatsApp Channels  Follow us for the latest on News, Sports, Tech, and Lifestyle
The Financial Impact of Stolen Data

Stolen data is incredibly valuable on the dark web, with hackers making millions from selling personal information. SSNs, credit card numbers, and medical records can be sold or used to commit fraud, take out loans, or even blackmail victims.

a person using a credit card to pay on a machine | Could This Be the World's Biggest Data Breach? | Mania News
Hackers may use your credit card to make purchases or transaction after acquiring the information. Photo by Giovanni Gagliardi / Unsplash

The financial and emotional toll on individuals can be devastating, with victims often facing years of legal battles and financial recovery.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Personal Finance: Tips and Tricks for Managing Your Money
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to a more secure financial future.
35 3 | Mania Africa: News, Sports, Tech, Movies, and Lifestyle | maniainc.comMania AfricaDavid Mania
https 3a 2f 2fsubstack post media s3 amazonaws com 2fpublic 2fimages 2f481cdb42 74ea 4879 97a5 43a35af34e40 2000x1333 jpeg 1 1 | Mania Africa: News, Sports, Tech, Movies, and Lifestyle | maniainc.com

 

Major Data Breaches of 2024

  1. AT&T Data Breaches: AT&T faced two significant breaches this year. The first involved the leak of personal information, including phone numbers and addresses of 73 million customers. Later, another breach exposed call records and metadata of 110 million people, affecting both customers and non-customers.
  2. Change Healthcare Hack: A ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, a major player in the U.S. health industry, resulted in the theft of sensitive health data affecting a substantial proportion of Americans. The hack exploited a lack of multi-factor authentication and led to widespread disruption across the healthcare sector.
  3. Synnovis Ransomware Attack: In the U.K., Synnovis, a pathology lab, was hit by a cyberattack that caused significant outages in London’s hospitals. The breach involved data from 300 million patient interactions, highlighting the critical vulnerabilities in healthcare infrastructure.
  4. Snowflake Cloud Breaches: Cybercriminals exploited stolen credentials to access and steal massive amounts of data from Snowflake, a cloud data company. Among the affected were Ticketmaster (560 million records), Advance Auto Parts (79 million records), and many other companies, making it one of the most extensive breaches of the year.
white satellite canopy under blue sky | AT&T has fallen victim to data breaches twice this year with both cases affecting nearly 200 million customers collectively | Major Data Breaches of 2024 | Mania News
AT&T has fallen victim to data breaches twice this year with both cases affecting nearly 200 million customers collectively. Photo by Bogomil Mihaylov / Unsplash

Other Notable Breaches:

    • Cencora: U.S. pharma giant Cencora faced a breach compromising the health data of over a million patients.
    • MediSecure: In Australia, a breach of MediSecure exposed the personal and health data of 13 million people.
    • Kaiser: Health insurer Kaiser accidentally shared the private health information of 13.4 million patients with advertisers.
    • USPS: The U.S. Postal Service was found sharing postal addresses with tech giants through tracking codes, affecting an undisclosed number of users. [Source: TechCrunch]

The Likelihood of an Average American Being Affected by these Data Breaches

Given the sheer scale of these breaches, the likelihood that an average American’s information has been exposed is alarmingly high. With breaches affecting major corporations, healthcare providers, and government services, millions of people are at risk of identity theft, fraud, and other cybercrimes. The exposed data, ranging from SSNs to health records, can be exploited in various malicious ways, including financial fraud, phishing scams, and identity theft.

Crypto Scam: The OpenSea NFT Scam that’s Robbing NFT Creators of their Hard-Earned Money
The buyer/scammer, who we can now call Mr. X, stepped up to my price of 6 Eth and sent me a screenshot with a QR code that he told me to scan, which would take me to the transaction page.
35 3 | Mania Africa: News, Sports, Tech, Movies, and Lifestyle | maniainc.comMania AfricaDavid Mania
https 3a 2f 2fsubstack post media s3 amazonaws com 2fpublic 2fimages 2fc15989c8 a3bd 46ab b7c9 d11bca57f041 2000x1125 jpeg 1 1 | Mania Africa: News, Sports, Tech, Movies, and Lifestyle | maniainc.com

 

How to Protect Your Data

In light of these breaches, protecting personal information has become more critical than ever. Here are steps Americans can take to safeguard their data:

  1. Freezing Credit: One of the most effective ways to protect against identity theft is by freezing your credit. This prevents anyone from accessing your credit report without your permission, making it harder for criminals to open accounts in your name. Major credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion offer free credit freezing services.
  2. Monitoring Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Set up alerts for any unusual activity and consider using credit monitoring services that notify you of any changes to your credit report.
  3. Strengthening Digital Security:
    • Use Strong Passwords: Ensure that your online accounts are protected by strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
    • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This can include a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan.
    • Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information. Always verify the source before clicking on links or providing details. Test yourself—Don’t Click here .
  4. Checking if You’ve Been Affected: Websites like Have I Been Pwned allow you to check if your email address or phone number has been involved in a data breach. If your information is found, take immediate steps to secure your accounts.
  5. Choosing Companies with Strong Cybersecurity: Before sharing your personal information, research the company’s cybersecurity practices. Look for companies that use encryption, regularly update their security protocols, and have transparent privacy policies. Verify if the company has had previous breaches and how they handled them.
Equifax had a huge data breach five years ago and it is increasingly crucial to ensure that companies you hand over you data to have efficient and capable cybersecurity infrastructure in place. Source: BR.

What to Do If Your Data Has Been Misused after Exposure in a Data Breach

If your credit card or personal information has been used fraudulently, take the following steps immediately:

  1. Report the Fraud: Contact your bank or credit card company to report the unauthorized transaction. They can freeze your account to prevent further misuse and investigate the fraud.
  2. File a Police Report: If your identity has been stolen, file a report with your local police. This can help in disputing fraudulent charges and may be required by credit bureaus or banks.
  3. Place a Fraud Alert: A fraud alert on your credit report notifies potential creditors to verify your identity before issuing new credit. This can be done through any of the major credit bureaus.
  4. Close Affected Accounts: If an account has been compromised, close it immediately and open a new one. Update any automatic payments linked to the old account.
  5. Consider Identity Theft Protection Services: These services monitor your personal information online and alert you to any suspicious activity. They can also assist in recovering from identity theft by providing legal and financial support.
The Mania Africa Discord server is up!  We’ve spec’d it out to create a fun and interactive platform where we can engage one-on-one. Here’s an invite link Join now before it expires!

Ensuring Better Digital Security

By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to protect your personal information, you can mitigate the impact of data breaches and enhance your overall digital security. Here are a few approaches:

  1. Choose Companies with Robust Cybersecurity: When selecting service providers, consider their cybersecurity practices. Look for companies that offer transparency about their security measures and have a track record of protecting customer data.
  2. Verify Security Practices: Research and verify the security practices of companies you interact with. This includes checking for regular security audits, encryption standards, and response plans for data breaches.
  3. Regularly Update Software: Ensure that your operating system, applications, and antivirus software are up to date with the latest security patches.
A phone with a cybersecurity app installed | What to Do If Your Data Has Been Misused after Exposure in a Data Breach | Mania Tech
Always update software on your devices including apps and consider having a cybersecurity app such as SurfShark ONE on all your devices. Photo by Markus Winkler / Unsplash

How Stolen Data Is Used by Hackers

Hackers can exploit stolen data in various ways to make substantial profits:

  1. Identity Theft: Using stolen personal information, hackers can open fraudulent accounts, take out loans, or commit other forms of identity theft.
  2. Phishing Scams: Stolen data can be used to craft highly targeted phishing scams, increasing the likelihood of successful attacks.
  3. Blackmail and Extortion: Hackers may use sensitive information to blackmail or extort individuals or organizations.
“✨ Ready to dive deeper? Subscribe now and be part of something special. Whether you’re here for the free gems or crave the full treasure trove, our community is waiting for you. Don’t miss out—join us today and stay inspired!”

Final Thoughts on Massive Data Breach that Exposed Personal Information of 2.9 Billion People

The recent spate of data breaches highlights the ongoing vulnerability of personal information in the digital age. With millions of records being stolen and sold, the threat of identity theft is more significant than ever. By taking proactive steps to protect their data, Americans can mitigate the risk of falling victim to these cybercrimes.

Featured: Secure Your Digital Life with SurfShark ONE: Start Your Free Trial Today!

 

 

Discover the power of SurfShark ONE, your all-in-one digital security suite!

With our advanced VPN, antivirus, and privacy protection tools, you can browse the internet safely and securely. Enjoy lightning-fast speeds, unblock geo-restricted content, and protect your personal data from cyber threats. Plus, our easy-to-use interface ensures you’re protected with just a few clicks. Don’t compromise on your online safety—take control today!

Try SurfShark ONE now and experience unparalleled security and peace of mind. Click the link below to start your free trial and surf the web with confidence!

Get Started with SurfShark ONE

We may earn a commission when you make a purchase.

Whether it’s freezing credit, strengthening digital security, or choosing companies with robust cybersecurity practices, individuals can play a crucial role in safeguarding their personal information. And in the unfortunate event of a breach, knowing how to respond swiftly and effectively is essential in minimizing the damage.

Single Point of Failure: Global IT Outage Underpins Over-Reliance on Microsoft by Corporates
We look into the failures the global IT outage exposed and ask how things can be made better to avoid such vulnerability in the future.
35 3 | Mania Africa: News, Sports, Tech, Movies, and Lifestyle | maniainc.comMania AfricaDavid Mania
1200x675 cmsv2 16ee7354 1c61 5b48 b792 c5cdb10c8b82 8588534 | Mania Africa: News, Sports, Tech, Movies, and Lifestyle | maniainc.com

 

This article has been written with the help of A.I. for topic research and formulation.
ADVERTISEMENT
davidmania

davidmania

David Mania is the creative force behind Mania Africa. With a Bachelor's Degree in Business & IT and 8 years of writing experience, he delivers compelling and thought-provoking content.

Related Posts

BBC Africa-Eye Documentary Blood Parliament - Mania News

Unmasking the Killers: BBC Africa Eye’s ‘Blood Parliament’ Exposes Fatal Shootings During Kenya Finance Bill Protests

by davidmania
April 29, 2025
0
10k

On June 25, 2024, thousands of Kenyans gathered at the gates of Nairobi’s Parliament to oppose the Finance Bill 2024—a...

Pope Francis' Legacy: A Pope for the Poor, the Marginalized, and Global Unity

Pope Francis’ Legacy: A Pope for the Poor, the Marginalized, and Global Unity

by davidmania
April 27, 2025
0
10k

The Catholic Church and the world lost a transformative leader when Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the...

Trump - Zelensky Spat: Is the Age of Modest Pretense Gone?

Trump – Zelensky Spat: Is the Age of Modest Pretense Gone?

by davidmania
March 2, 2025
0
10k

The spat between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday stirred up...

Raila Odinga’s Defeat at the AUC Chairmanship Vote_ A Turning Point for Kenyan Politics - Mania Politics on Mania News

Raila Odinga’s Defeat at the AUC Chairmanship Vote: A Turning Point for Kenyan Politics

by davidmania
February 15, 2025
0
10k

In a stunning turn of events at the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson elections in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kenya’s prominent...

Kenyan Minister Calls Out Ruto’s Government Over Abductions and Killings

Kenyan Minister Calls Out Ruto’s Government Over Abductions and Killings

by davidmania
February 1, 2025
0
10k

Bodies of Missing Youth Discovered at City Mortuary Kenyan Minister for Public Service, Justin Muturi, has sharply criticized President William...

The SHA⁄SHIF Controversy: How Kenya’s Public Health System Was Crippled

The SHA/SHIF Controversy: How Kenya’s Public Health System Was Crippled

by davidmania
January 30, 2025
0
10k

The Social Health Authority (SHA) and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) replaced Kenya’s National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) on October...

Search

ADVERTISEMENT

Mania Africa 💎🌍

✨ News, Sports, Movies, Tech & Lifestyle—Unveil the Stories that Matter with David Mania 📚 We pride ourselves in going beyond the headlines and into the nitty-gritty of every story. We are not here to just churn out articles. Far from it. We actually care about the key issues and how they affect the lives of those communities.

Resources

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Discord
  • Threads
  • Mastodon
  • BlueSky
  • Videos

Notifications

Get Notified when we post

Sure
  • Home
  • Advertise
  • Patreon
  • Tip Us
  • Merch
  • Linktree
  • Kit
  • RSS

Copyright © 2020-2025. Mania Online Connect. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Politics
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Movies
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
    • Community Guidelines & Comment Policy
    • Cookies Policy
  • Patreon
  • Merch

Copyright © 2020-2025. Mania Online Connect. All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?