• USDoD released a database called ‘National Public Data’ on the dark web on 8 April, claiming to have records on about 2.9 billion people.
  • It is unclear how many people will be affected by this case, but everyone with a Social Security number could be affected.

OUR TAKE
This incident will affect the information security of a significant number of people within the United States. All organisations and individuals must be vigilant in protecting personal information and preventing its misuse by unscrupulous persons from causing irreparable damage. Protecting the security of cyber information is of paramount importance, as it has a bearing on a number of aspects, including personal privacy, corporate secrets, national security and social stability.
— Iydia Ding, BTW reporter

What happened

USDoD released a database called ‘National Public Data’ on the dark web on 8 April. A new lawsuit claims that hackers have gained access to the personal information of ‘billions of individuals,’ including personal information such as their Social Security numbers, which could enable fraudsters to infiltrate financial accounts or take out loans in their names.

The allegation comes in a lawsuit filed earlier this month by California resident Christopher Hofmann, who claims that his identity theft protection service alerted him to the fact that his personal information had been leaked to the dark web by the ‘nationalpublicdata.com ‘ breach on the dark web.

Earlier this month, a hacker leaked a version of the stolen NPD data for free on a hacking forum, according to tech site Bleeping Computer. While it’s unclear how many people were included, ‘everyone with a Social Security number was affected,’ said Cliff Steinhauer, director of information security and engagement at The National Cybersecurity Alliance. Steinhauer, director of information security and engagement at The National Cybersecurity Alliance, a non-profit organisation that promotes online security, said.

Also read: Indonesia recovers data after major cyber attack

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Why it’s important

In the digital age, users’ trust in online services is built on confidence in the security of their data. The number of people affected by this incident and the possible outcomes are difficult to predict at this point in time. Localised areas have shut down most of their systems as a result of the ransomware attack, and having to shut down some city functions has already had an impact on the lives of citizens.

With the development of technology and the emergence of new security threats, ensuring cyber information security requires continuous updating and adaptation of new technologies and strategies. Protecting network information security is crucial as it relates to many aspects such as personal privacy, corporate secrets, national security and social stability.

Regardless of the magnitude of the damage caused by an incident, enterprises and individuals need to take a cautious view of cybersecurity in order to protect sensitive data from attacks.