2.9 billion records were reportedly stolen in a massive data breach. Here’s how you can see if your Social Security number is part of the hack, and how to secure your personal information.
By Tom Ossa, CEO
RockWeb Systems Inc.
As you may or may not know, right now – your social security number is very likely in the hands of hackers, and other nefarious jerks.
This is not a joke, or an over-reaching statement.
Earlier this month it was widely reported by numerous media outlets that a cybercriminal group by the name of USDoD — stole up to nearly 2.9 billion personal records of people across the world. Details stolen include names, email address, phone number, Social Security numbers and mailing addresses.
As an professional with over 20 years experience in an increasingly distopian IT world, I can assert to you that the data breach is a huge danger to your personal data. The sheer combination they types of data that got stolen – name, address, phone number, social security number…can potentially lead to loss of your online access, your financial resources…or even your own identity.
Thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself, with just a few steps.
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
Two online security companies have put up websites that let you check for free if your Social Security number is part of the stolen store of personal information: One is https://www.npdbreach.com/ from the online privacy company Atlas Privacy; the second is https://npd.pentester.com/ by the Pentester cybersecurity company.
Both lookup tools are easy to use and search for different pieces of information in the stash. Both showed my personal information were stolen in the hack after I searched the different states I’ve lived in. I’ve already started protective measures to prevent data breaches:
- Freeze credit
- Change passwords
- Contact financial institutions
- If necessary, contact IRS and NYS tax
You can check to see if your Social Security number was stolen in the massive National Public Data breach and take steps to guard your personal information if it was leaked in the theft of a reported 2.9 billion records last December. Here’s how.
Here are steps you can take to see if your information was stolen and then protect your Social Security number if your personal data was leaked in the massive data hack. For more information, CNET has an article on the best identity theft protection services and how to freeze your credit.
But, I should note one that has set the standard for personal data protection: Lifelock. It has come a long way from its origins, and can help keep an eye on your personally identifiable data for a monthly rate that is less than a Netflix subscription.
How do I know if my Social Secu that notify you if someone is trying to use your identity to create credit, including someone trying to use your Social Security number. Here are the best identity theft protection services.
I think my Social Security number may be used. What should I do?
First, if you think your Social Security number can imminently put your life, finances or identity in the wrong hands, know that the Social Security Administration itself can’t do much. Here’s what you can do.
Head to the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov and fill out a form to receive a personal recovery plan. This plan walks you through all you need to know about protecting yourself from fraud and recovering your identity. You can also call 877-438-4337.
Contact the Internal Revenue Service if your Social Security number has been stolen to prevent the thief from using your number to file a tax return and receive your tax refund or to prevent them from using your number for a job. If a thief uses your Social Security number to get a job, owed taxes may show up on your record. Visit the IRS’s Identity Theft Central to dispute these claims, get help and clear up any issues you have.
File an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which monitors cybercrime complaints to combat internet crime. It’s also advisable to check your credit report every so often to detect any fishy behavior as it happens. Also, you should annually review your credit by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com to receive a free credit report.
Do I need a new Social Security number?
If you have done all the steps that the Social Security Administration recommends and your Social Security number is no longer being used by someone other than yourself, then you don’t need to apply for a new SSN. If you’ve taken all of the necessary steps and still find that your number is being used, you can apply for a new one.
But the administration doesn’t make it easy to get a new SSN. You’ll need proof that your number continues to be used by someone other than yourself. The administration said if you lost your card or think someone stole your number but have no evidence of someone else using it, you won’t be able to receive a new one.
One Hour Can Save You Huge Losses
I spoke with someone yesterday about the possibility of their account getting hacked, and the person lightheartedly responded, “What’s there to steal? I’ve had a lousy year financially!”
Regardless, it’s still important to follow up on protecting your identity.
Think about how the FBI works. It builds a case. All the evidence isn’t usually available at the start of a case, but as time goes on – the information received begins to increase the confidence of a successful prosecution. The same would apply to hackers, as the data that they store on you can be used and cross referenced as more information is gathered. So, while it may not be important now, perhaps next year or even five years from now when things change, that could be when they pounce!
So don’t hesitate to do the basics. Check if your data has been stolen. If so, freeze your credit, change your passwords and call your financial institiution to ensure all is well. Just an hour or two of this can save you from huge losses…now and in the future.