Hackers Steal Social Security Data of Nearly 3 billion People: Is Your SS Number Safe?

Social Security Data: The hacker group known as USDoD has claimed responsibility for a recent data breach, stating that they have obtained sensitive records, including Social Security numbers, phone numbers, addresses, and full names. According to the group, this data was stolen in April and is now being sold for $3.5 million. The compromised information is reportedly used by businesses and private investigators for background checks.

Social Security Data: Is Your SS Number Safe?

If someone gets their Social Security number stolen, there is a serious risk of identity theft. These details can be used by thieves to gain unauthorized access to bank accounts. In 2024, fraudsters will be able to take advantage of organizations and consumers using new AI-powered tools, according to Blair Cohen, the founder and president of AuthenticID.

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“With the proliferation of new, generative AI-powered tools for fraudsters, businesses and consumers alike face a significant challenge in the form of breaches and business attacks,”  Cohen said in an earlier article.

Even while it’s impossible to know for sure whether your Social Security number was taken precisely, there are proactive measures that Americans can take to lessen their risk. Credit file freezes at the three major credit agencies (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) can stop identity thieves from applying for credit cards or taking out loans in your name.

Services that prevent identity theft, like Identity Guard and LifeLock, are frequently free of charge and provide notifications for possible breaches. The CEO of IT Companies Network, Joseph Harisson, stressed the value of being vigilant, telling people to keep an eye out for odd messages, check their credit reports, take advantage of fraud alerts, and change their passwords regularly.

For both personal and bank accounts, implementing two-factor authentication and using strong, regularly changing passwords can help strengthen account security and ward off unwanted access. Monitoring credit card and bank accounts regularly can assist in quickly identifying questionable activity.

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The director of consulting solutions for TrustedSec, Alex Hamerstone, emphasized the importance of having strong IT systems that don’t just rely on employee credentials. “Multifactor authentication is absolutely vital, especially at a time when ransomware attacks are hitting companies left and right,” Hamerstone told Newsweek. “This should always be used.”