Data Breach Alert: What NYC and Long Island Business Owners Need to Know About Cybersecurity

In September 2024, National Public Data confirmed a major data breach, exposing the personal records of millions. Sensitive data such as names, email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and even Social Security numbers for up to 2.9 billion people were compromised. Here’s what this cybersecurity breach means for small business owners in NYC and Long Island.

What Happened?

National Public Data, a company providing criminal records, background checks, and other data to investigators, employers, and government agencies, was hacked. The breach started in December 2023, and by April 2024, a cybercriminal posted the stolen data online. By August, it had been shared freely across multiple forums.

The breach exposed critical personal information, including Social Security numbers. Even though much of this data is publicly available, having it bundled together makes it easier for criminals to misuse it.

Why Should NYC and Long Island Business Owners Care?

As a small business owner, you might be wondering how this affects you. Here’s why this cybersecurity issue matters:

– Having sensitive data in one place makes it easier for cybercriminals to steal identities, open new bank accounts, or apply for loans in someone else’s name.

– Key details like Social Security numbers or childhood addresses can help hackers bypass security questions on online accounts.

– This breach can increase phishing and smishing (SMS phishing) attacks, making it essential to strengthen your business’s IT support and cybersecurity measures.

Can Your Business Be Affected?

Yes! Even if you’ve never heard of National Public Data, your personal or business information may have been collected through background checks, tenant screenings, or by other organizations that rely on this data. Small businesses that don’t have managed IT services or robust IT support could be particularly vulnerable.

How to Protect Your Business and Customers

Here’s how you can protect yourself and your business from the risks this data breach poses:

Step 1: Check if Your Data Has Been Exposed.
Use online tools like NPD Pentester to check if your information was part of the breach. If it has, take action immediately.

Step 2: Freeze Your Credit.
After getting your free credit report, freeze your credit to prevent anyone from opening accounts in your name. Contact Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian to freeze your credit—it’s free and quick. If others in your household have a Social Security number, they should freeze their credit too.

Step 3: Watch for Phishing Scams.
Given the large amount of data exposed, scammers will increase phishing attempts. Be cautious about unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls requesting personal or financial details. Enhance your business’s cybersecurity by training employees to recognize these threats.

Strengthen Your Cybersecurity with Managed IT Services

This data breach highlights how important it is to have strong cybersecurity measures in place. As a small business owner, securing your network and sensitive data is crucial to avoid falling victim to similar attacks.

Our company provides IT support to businesses across NYC and Long Island. If you’re unsure about your current cybersecurity protections, we offer a FREE Security Risk Assessment. This assessment will show you where your vulnerabilities are and how to improve your network’s defenses.

To schedule your free assessment, call us at 718-412-9196 or click here to get started.