A massive hack has exposed 2.7 billion records of personal data from residents in the United States, jeopardizing the privacy of countless individuals, including many Cuban Americans. The leaked data includes names, Social Security numbers, physical addresses, and possible aliases, representing a significant threat to personal security.
Bleeping Computer reported that the records originate from National Public Data, a company that collects and sells access to personal information for background checks. The massive breach was first revealed in April when a threat actor known as USDoD claimed to have 2.9 billion records for sale, including data from residents in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, priced at $3.5 million. Following this, partial copies of the data were shared, each containing a different number of records. However, on August 6, a threat actor known as "Fenice" released the most comprehensive version of the stolen national public data for free on the Breached hacking forum.
The leak includes critical information such as Social Security numbers, which could be used by criminals to commit identity theft and other crimes. While it has not been confirmed that all U.S. residents are affected, many individuals have verified that their data, including that of deceased relatives, is included in the breach.
For Cuban Americans, this security breach is particularly alarming. Many may be less familiar with credit monitoring and fraud prevention processes, making them more vulnerable to identity theft. It is crucial for them to review their credit reports regularly and stay vigilant for any suspicious activity.
Additionally, all affected individuals are advised to take heightened precautions against phishing attempts and fraud, as criminals are likely to exploit the situation to gather more confidential information. Authorities are already investigating the case, and class-action lawsuits against National Public Data are expected to follow due to their failure to provide adequate protection.
Key Concerns About the Data Breach
This section provides answers to some of the most pressing questions regarding the recent data breach and its implications, particularly for Cuban Americans.
What personal information has been exposed in the breach?
The exposed data includes names, Social Security numbers, physical addresses, and possible aliases.
Who is responsible for the data breach?
The data breach has been linked to National Public Data, a company that gathers and sells personal information for background checks.
What steps should Cuban Americans take to protect themselves?
Cuban Americans should regularly review their credit reports and stay alert for any suspicious activity. They should also take extra precautions against phishing attempts and fraud.
What actions are authorities taking in response to the breach?
Authorities are investigating the breach, and class-action lawsuits against National Public Data are anticipated due to their inadequate protection measures.