Podcast Summary
Jericho Pictures Data Breach: One of the largest data breaches in history, Jericho Pictures exposed personal info of nearly 80% of Americans, including SSNs, addresses, and family details, obtained without consent from non-public sources. Stay informed, monitor credit reports, and freeze credit if necessary.
The data breach involving Jericho Pictures Inc., also known as National Public Data, exposed the personal information of nearly four in five Americans, making it one of the largest in history. The breach included Social Security numbers, addresses, and even details about relatives. The company obtained this information by scraping it from non-public sources without consent. The breach was first announced on a dark web forum in April 2022, but it didn't gain mainstream attention until months later. The leaked data affected not just Americans, but also people in the UK and Canada. It's crucial to stay informed about data breaches and take steps to protect your personal information, such as monitoring your credit reports and freezing your credit if necessary. Additionally, be cautious of sharing sensitive information online and only providing it to trusted sources.
Equifax data breach: Companies must promptly notify consumers of data breaches and take steps to protect and secure their information. Failure to do so can result in legal action and financial consequences for individuals.
Companies have a responsibility to protect consumers' personal information and promptly notify them in the event of a data breach. Unfortunately, a recent data breach involving a national public data company, Equifax, has reportedly failed to do so. A California resident, Christopher Hoffman, discovered the breach and filed a class action lawsuit against the company, accusing it of negligence and unjust enrichment, among other charges. Hoffman is demanding that the company purge the exposed information, encrypt their data moving forward, and undergo regular cybersecurity assessments. This case could set a new standard for how companies handle data breaches and how they should be held accountable. It's crucial for individuals to be vigilant about their personal information and take steps to protect themselves. After the breach was made public, a website called npdbreach.com became popular for checking if one's data was exposed. However, it's important to exercise caution when sharing sensitive information online. The breach could have serious financial consequences if hackers use or sell the data. Therefore, it's essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard personal information.
Social Security number theft: Freezing credit is an effective way to prevent identity theft by stopping access to your credit report, making it difficult for hackers to open new accounts in your name.
Having your Social Security number stolen can lead to significant identity theft issues. Hackers can use your number to open credit cards, apply for loans, or sell it to other identity thieves. This can make you feel vulnerable, like your home has been broken into. To regain control, you can freeze your credit at the three major credit bureaus, which prevents lenders and creditors from accessing your credit report. This means that even if someone obtains your personal information, they won't be able to open new accounts in your name. Freezing your credit is different from canceling a credit card, and it doesn't require updating your autopay accounts. If you need to make a large purchase, you can temporarily lift the freeze. Overall, freezing your credit is an effective way to protect yourself against identity theft.
Identity theft prevention measures: Freeze credit reports, employment data, utilities, and bank information to prevent unauthorized access and fraudulent activities. Stay informed of data breaches and regulatory changes to protect personal information.
Protecting your personal information from identity theft is an essential step in safeguarding your finances and reputation. Freezing your credit is an effective way to prevent unauthorized access to your credit reports, but it's not the only measure you should take. You should also consider freezing your employment, utilities, and bank data to prevent fraudulent activities like opening accounts or getting jobs in your name. With the increasing number of data breaches and cybercrimes, it's crucial to stay proactive and take action to secure your personal information. Additionally, recent lawsuits and regulatory changes could lead to more stringent data protection laws, making it essential to stay informed and take action to protect yourself. Don't let identity theft be just another scary news story; take control of your personal information and secure your future.
Credit Monitoring: Monitor credit reports closely for unauthorized activity and freeze credit if needed, checking all three major bureaus for comprehensive protection
Even if you don't see your information in the data breach, it's important to remain vigilant and closely monitor your accounts, especially your credit reports. If you notice any unauthorized activity, freeze your credit and report it as fraud. Be sure to check all three major credit bureaus as fraudulent activity may not appear on all of them. And remember, it's crucial to prioritize your financial well-being by staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect yourself. As a reminder, Money Rehab is here to help answer your money questions. So, if you need advice or have concerns, email us at moneyrehab@moneynewsnetwork.com or follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more financial tips and resources. Thank you for listening and for investing in your financial future.