Massive Data Breach Exposes Billions of Personal Records – What You Need to Know | Bert McDowell Injury Law | Bert McDowell Injury Law

Massive Data Breach Exposes Billions of Personal Records – What You Need to Know

Data Breach Cybercrime
March 13th, 2025

Massive Data Breach Exposes Billions of Personal Records – What You Need to Know

Billions of Personal Records Allegedly Stolen – National Public Data — What You Need to Know

Another massive data breach has exposed billions of personal records, putting countless individuals at risk due to inadequate security measures. A Florida-based firm specializing in background checks and personal data requests has allegedly been hacked, and the stolen information is now up for sale.

A criminal organization known as USDoD is reportedly selling the database for $3.5 million on underground forums. The breach affects approximately 2.9 billion records belonging to individuals in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, raising serious concerns about cybersecurity and personal privacy.

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand the significant consequences that data breaches can have on individuals and businesses. If you believe your personal information has been compromised, contact us today at 475-255-7607 for a free consultation.

The Alleged Breach

The Database and Its Contents

The stolen data reportedly includes highly sensitive personal information, such as:

  • Full names
  • Current and past addresses (spanning decades)
  • Social security numbers
  • Information about relatives, including deceased family members

According to USDoD, this information was not gathered from public sources but rather extracted from private databases, making this one of the most concerning data breaches in recent history.

Verification of the Data

Cybersecurity researchers at VX-Underground have examined the stolen database and confirmed the authenticity of at least some of the records. The dataset, which reportedly spans 277.1 GB, contains nearly three billion records, primarily involving individuals from the United States, along with some from Canada and the UK.

Source of the Breach

The data appears to have been stolen from National Public Data, a small information brokerage firm based in Coral Springs, Florida. This company provides data lookup services for background checks and similar purposes. Despite multiple inquiries, National Public Data has not responded to the allegations or provided any clarification regarding the breach.

Who Is USDoD?

USDoD is a well-known cybercriminal group responsible for several high-profile data breaches. They have previously sold stolen data from TransUnion, compromising the financial records of over 58,000 individuals, and have leaked sensitive information from aerospace giant Airbus.

Implications of the Data Leak

The exposure of such a massive amount of personal data can lead to serious consequences, including:

  • Identity theft
  • Credit card fraud
  • Tax fraud
  • Phishing attacks and scams
  • Social media and email account takeovers

Unfortunately, the leaked data provides cybercriminals with everything they need to exploit unsuspecting victims.

The Importance of Data Opt-Out Services

One critical takeaway from this breach is the effectiveness of data opt-out services. Reports suggest that individuals who had opted out of data collection were not included in the stolen database. This highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to protect your personal information.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you suspect that your personal information has been compromised in this breach, here’s what you can do:

  1. Monitor Your Credit Reports
    • Check your credit reports for unauthorized activity. You can obtain free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
  2. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
    • A fraud alert notifies creditors to take extra precautions before opening accounts in your name. A credit freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit file without your permission.
  3. Update Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
    • Change your passwords immediately, particularly for financial and email accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and enable 2FA for added security.
  4. Beware of Phishing Scams
    • Scammers may use the leaked data to craft convincing phishing emails and phone calls. Be cautious of unsolicited messages requesting personal or financial information.
  5. Notify Your Financial Institutions
    • Inform your bank and credit card providers about the breach so they can monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
  6. Stay Informed
    • Keep track of updates from cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies regarding the breach.

How Bert McDowell Injury Law Can Help

If you have been affected by this data breach, you may be entitled to legal recourse. Bert McDowell Injury Law is dedicated to helping victims of identity theft and data breaches seek justice and compensation. Our experienced legal team can assist you in holding negligent companies accountable for failing to protect your personal information.

For a free consultation, call us today at 475-255-7607. We are here to help you navigate this challenging situation and ensure that your rights are protected.

Disclaimer

This website is meant for general information and not legal advice.