In recent news, a significant data breach at the national level has raised concerns for many Americans. The breach, involving National Public Data, has potentially exposed personal information of millions of Americans, this includes Social Security numbers, names and contact details.
So What Exactly Happened?
The breach occurred when a third-party bad actor accessed nearly 3 billion records stored by National Public Data. The stolen data was reportedly leaked on the dark web, creating potential risks for those affected.
In light of this breaking news, we want to provide our community with proactive steps to take in order to protect personal information and ensure peace of mind.
Helpful Tips to Protect Yourself:
- Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Make a habit of checking your bank and credit card statements/accounts regularly. Always check for any unusual activity. Detecting suspicious activity early can help prevent bigger issues later.
- Consider Freezing Your Credit: You can place a freeze on your credit and prevent unauthorized access to your credit report. This will make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.
- Be Cautious with Your Social Security Number: Only share your number when necessary. Take proactive steps and consider contacting the IRS and Social Security Administration if you believe your number has been compromised.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Protect your online accounts by using strong and unique passwords for each account. If possible, use two-factor authentication for additional levels of security.
- Stay Informed: Be sure to monitor updates from National Public Data and other trusted sources.
At ACCU, we’re committed to helping you navigate these challenges with confidence and care. While this breach is not linked to us, we believe in empowering our members with the knowledge and tools they can use to stay secure in today’s digital landscape.
For more detailed steps and ongoing support, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help protect you.
To learn more about America's Christian Credit Union, visit americaschristiancu.com or call 800-343-6328.