The NPD breach exposed nearly 3 billion records, making it one of the biggest data leaks in history. National Public Data (NPD), a company that provides background checks, was hacked. Cybercriminals stole Social Security numbers, names, addresses, and phone numbers. This data is now circulating on the dark web, increasing the risk of fraud and identity theft.
For businesses, this is a major warning sign. If a company handling sensitive data can be breached, no business is completely safe. The good news is that there are steps companies can take to strengthen security and lower the chances of a similar attack.
This blog will break down the NPD breach, how it happened, and what businesses should do to strengthen their security.
What Is the NPD Breach?
The NPD breach refers to a massive cyberattack on National Public Data (NPD), a company that specializes in background checks. Hackers stole 2.9 billion records, including:
- Full names
- Dates of birth
- Over 272 million Social Security numbers
- More than 420 million addresses
- 161 million phone numbers
Hackers first tried selling the data for $3.5 million on the dark web. Later, it was leaked for free, making the problem worse.
How Many People Were Affected by the NPD Breach?
The NPD data breach update suggests that nearly every American adult may have been affected. The stolen information can be used for identity theft, fraud, and phishing scams. If your business collects or stores customer data, you need to act now to protect it.
Many users are searching for ways to check if their data was exposed. People are asking, “Is NPD breach check legit?” or “Is NPD breach check safe?” to verify their security status. Some even turn to forums like NPD breach check Reddit for advice. However, businesses need more than just a simple check. They must strengthen their defenses to prevent similar attacks.
How Did the NPD Breach Happen?
Cybercriminals exploited security weaknesses in NPD’s systems, gaining access to its massive database. The exact method is still under investigation, but experts believe:
- Weak security controls made it easier for hackers to break in.
- Poor data encryption allowed criminals to extract sensitive information.
- Lack of monitoring meant the breach wasn’t detected until it was too late.
Now, NPD breach lawsuits are piling up. Many customers claim NPD failed to protect their information. This legal action could cost the company millions, showing just how damaging a breach can be for any business.
Steps Businesses Should Take to Prevent an NPD-Like Breach
If your company stores customer data, you must take cybersecurity seriously. Here are the best steps businesses can take to avoid a breach like NPD’s:
1. Strengthen Security Systems
- Use strong encryption to protect customer data.
- Regularly update and patch software to fix security flaws.
- Invest in firewalls and intrusion detection systems to block attacks.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Require two-factor authentication for employees and users.
- Prevent hackers from accessing accounts, even if passwords are stolen.
3. Conduct Regular Security Audits
- Review system vulnerabilities and fix weaknesses before hackers exploit them.
- Perform penetration testing to simulate cyberattacks and find weak spots.
4. Limit Data Access
- Restrict who can view or modify sensitive data.
- Use role-based access control (RBAC) to prevent unauthorized changes.
5. Train Employees on Cybersecurity
- Teach staff how to recognize phishing scams.
- Require strong, unique passwords for all business accounts.
- Encourage reporting of suspicious activity immediately.
6. Monitor the Dark Web for Leaked Data
- Use dark web monitoring tools to detect if your company’s data appears in leaks.
- If found, take action immediately by updating credentials and alerting users.
7. Integrate a White Label VPN for Added Security
- A white label VPN allows businesses to provide secure internet access to employees and customers.
- Encrypts online activity, preventing cybercriminals from stealing data during transmission.
- Helps prevent unauthorized access to company resources, reducing the risk of data breaches.
NPD Breach: What to Do if Your Business is Affected?
If your business is linked to the NPD breach, you must act fast to limit the damage. Follow these steps:
- Check if your business’s data was exposed. Use NPD breach check tools to verify leaks.
- Reset all compromised credentials. If employee or customer passwords were stolen, force a password reset.
- Notify affected customers. Be transparent about the breach and provide security recommendations.
- Strengthen security measures. Make improvements to prevent future attacks.
- Seek legal advice. If your company is affected, consult a cybersecurity attorney.
Many businesses are also wondering if they can use NPD check free online tools to see if they were impacted. While there are free services, be cautious about which ones you trust. Scammers often create fake “breach checkers” to steal even more data.
Final Thoughts
The NPD breach is a wake-up call for any business that stores sensitive data. Hackers are always searching for weak security systems to attack. Companies must act now to protect their networks and keep customer information safe.
If you run an online business, consider using PureWL’s cybersecurity solutions, including white label VPN services, to protect your data and customers. Investing in strong security today can prevent costly breaches tomorrow.