Category: Law/Legal

A data breach at fintech company 700Credit has compromised the personal information of over 5.8 million consumers, raising concerns about identity theft and financial fraud.

A significant data breach at fintech company 700Credit has exposed the personal information of more than 5.8 million individuals. This incident, which originated from a third-party integration partner rather than a direct compromise of 700Credit’s internal systems, highlights the ongoing risks associated with data security in the financial services sector.

The breach traces back to July 2025, when a threat actor compromised one of 700Credit’s third-party partners. During this intrusion, the attacker discovered an exposed application programming interface (API) that allowed access to sensitive customer information linked to auto dealerships using 700Credit’s services. Alarmingly, the integration partner failed to notify 700Credit about the breach, enabling unauthorized access to continue for several months.

It was not until October 25 that 700Credit detected suspicious activity within its systems, prompting an internal investigation. The company subsequently engaged third-party forensic specialists to assess the breach’s scope and identify the affected data. Their findings revealed that unauthorized copies of certain records had been made, specifically those related to customers of auto dealerships utilizing 700Credit’s platform.

Ken Hill, Managing Director of 700Credit, confirmed that approximately 20% of the consumer data accessible through the compromised system was stolen between May and October. While the company has not released a comprehensive list of the data fields involved, it has acknowledged that highly sensitive information, including Social Security numbers (SSNs), was exposed. The exposure of SSNs significantly heightens the risk of identity theft and financial fraud, as these numbers cannot be easily changed like a password.

In response to the breach, 700Credit has established a dedicated webpage detailing the incident and the types of information compromised. The company is also offering affected individuals 12 months of free identity protection and credit monitoring services through TransUnion. Those impacted have a 90-day window to enroll in this service after receiving notification of the breach.

This incident is not isolated; other platforms, including audio streaming service SoundCloud and adult video sharing site Pornhub, have also experienced data breaches linked to third-party vendors. While there is no evidence to suggest that the same vendor was involved in all three cases, these incidents underscore the risks associated with third-party access to sensitive consumer data.

When data breaches occur, the repercussions are not always immediate. Compromised data can linger in underground markets for months before being exploited. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves. Strong antivirus software can help block malicious downloads and phishing attempts that often follow large data leaks. Additionally, using a password manager to generate unique passwords for each service can safeguard against further breaches.

Individuals should also check if their email addresses have been exposed in previous breaches. Many password managers now include built-in breach scanners that alert users if their information has appeared in known leaks. If a match is found, it is essential to change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) for email, banking, social media, and cloud accounts can add an extra layer of security. Even if a password is compromised, 2FA requires a second verification step, making unauthorized access more difficult.

Monitoring services can alert individuals to new accounts, loans, or credit checks opened in their name, providing an opportunity to act before significant financial damage occurs. Identity theft protection services can also monitor personal information, such as SSNs, and alert users if their data is being sold on the dark web or used to open accounts fraudulently.

Furthermore, individuals should consider utilizing data removal services to reduce their digital footprint. While no service can guarantee complete removal of personal information from the internet, these services actively monitor and erase data from various websites, making it harder for attackers to profile and target individuals after a breach.

For those whose Social Security numbers are involved, a credit freeze is one of the most effective defenses. This measure prevents new credit accounts from being opened without the individual’s approval and can be temporarily lifted when necessary.

The incident at 700Credit serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with third-party APIs and integrations. When these partners fail to disclose breaches promptly, the downstream impact can be extensive. Individuals receiving notifications from 700Credit should take them seriously, enroll in the offered credit monitoring service, and review their credit reports for any suspicious activity.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the question remains: should companies be held accountable when a third-party vendor exposes customer information? This ongoing debate highlights the need for robust security measures and transparency in the handling of sensitive consumer data.

For further information on protecting yourself from identity theft and data breaches, visit CyberGuy.com.

Pornhub is facing a significant data breach, with the hacking group ShinyHunters claiming to have stolen 94GB of user data affecting over 200 million records and demanding a Bitcoin ransom.

Pornhub is grappling with the aftermath of a massive data leak, as the hacking group ShinyHunters has claimed responsibility for stealing 94GB of user data. This breach reportedly affects more than 200 million records, and the group is now attempting to extort the company for a ransom in Bitcoin.

According to reports from BleepingComputer, ShinyHunters has threatened to publish the stolen data if their demands are not met. Pornhub has acknowledged the situation but insists that its core systems were not compromised during the breach.

The exposed data primarily pertains to Pornhub Premium users. While no financial information was included, the dataset contains sensitive activity details that raise serious privacy concerns. The hackers claim that the stolen records include activity logs that indicate whether users watched or downloaded videos or viewed specific channels. Additionally, search histories are part of the compromised data, heightening the potential privacy risks if this information is made public.

This breach appears to be linked to a previous security incident involving Mixpanel, a data analytics vendor that had worked with Pornhub. That earlier incident occurred in November 2025, following a smishing attack that allowed threat actors access to Mixpanel’s systems. However, Mixpanel has stated that it does not believe the data stolen from Pornhub originated from that incident. The company has found no evidence that Pornhub data was taken during its November breach. Furthermore, Pornhub clarified that it ceased its relationship with Mixpanel in 2021, suggesting that the stolen data may be several years old.

To verify the claims, Reuters reached out to some Pornhub users, who confirmed that the data associated with their accounts was accurate but outdated, consistent with the timeline provided by Mixpanel.

In response to the reports, Pornhub has moved quickly to reassure its users. In a security notice, the company stated, “This was not a breach of Pornhub Premium’s systems. Passwords, payment details, and financial information remain secure and were not exposed.” This clarification helps to mitigate the immediate risk of financial fraud; however, the exposure of viewing habits and search activity still poses long-term privacy risks.

ShinyHunters has been linked to several high-profile data breaches this year, employing social engineering tactics such as phishing and smishing to infiltrate corporate systems. Once inside, the group typically steals large datasets and uses extortion threats to coerce companies into paying ransoms. This strategy has impacted businesses and users globally.

Pornhub has updated its online statement to alert Premium members about potential direct contact from cybercriminals. In cases involving adult platforms, such outreach often escalates into sextortion attempts, where criminals threaten to expose private activities unless victims comply with their demands. The company advised users, “We are aware that the individuals responsible for this incident have threatened to contact impacted Pornhub Premium users directly. You may therefore receive emails claiming they have your personal information. As a reminder, we will never ask for your password or payment information by email.”

As one of the world’s most visited adult video platforms, Pornhub allows users to view content anonymously or create accounts to upload and interact with videos. Even though the stolen data is several years old, users are encouraged to take this opportunity to enhance their digital security.

To bolster security, users should start by updating their Pornhub passwords. It is also advisable to change the passwords for any email or payment accounts linked to Pornhub. Utilizing a password manager can simplify the process of creating and storing strong, unique passwords.

Additionally, users should check if their email addresses have been exposed in previous breaches. A reliable password manager often includes a built-in breach scanner that alerts users if their email addresses or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If a match is found, it is crucial to change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Data breaches frequently lead to follow-up scams. Users should remain cautious of emails, texts, or phone calls referencing Pornhub or account issues. It is essential to avoid clicking on links, downloading attachments, or sharing personal information unless the source can be verified. Installing robust antivirus software adds another layer of protection against malicious links and downloads.

Data removal services can assist in removing personal information from data broker websites that collect and sell details such as email addresses, locations, and online identifiers. If leaked data from this breach is shared or resold, removing personal information can make it more challenging for scammers to connect it to individuals.

Identity theft protection companies can monitor personal information, such as Social Security Numbers, phone numbers, and email addresses, alerting users if their data is being sold on the dark web or used to open accounts. Early warnings can help mitigate damage if personal data surfaces.

Using a VPN can help protect browsing activity by masking IP addresses and encrypting internet traffic, which is particularly relevant in cases like this, where exposed activity data may include location signals or usage patterns. While a VPN cannot erase past exposure, it reduces the visibility of new information and complicates the linking of future activity to individuals.

The recent data leak at Pornhub underscores the risks associated with long-stored user information. Although passwords and payment details were not compromised, the exposure of activity data can still have damaging consequences. ShinyHunters has demonstrated a willingness to exert pressure through public threats, highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive about online security.

Should companies be allowed to retain years of user activity data once it is no longer necessary? This question remains open for discussion as the implications of such data storage continue to unfold. For further insights, readers can visit CyberGuy.com.

Petco has confirmed a significant data breach that exposed sensitive customer information, including Social Security numbers and financial details, due to a software configuration error.

Petco has disclosed a major data breach that has compromised sensitive customer information. The company revealed the breach in state filings after discovering a configuration issue in one of its software applications that inadvertently made certain files accessible online. While the issue has since been corrected, the implications for affected customers are serious.

According to reports filed with the Texas attorney general’s office, the exposed data includes names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account details, credit or debit card numbers, and dates of birth. Additional filings in California, Massachusetts, and Montana confirm that residents from these states were also affected.

In California, companies are required to report data breaches involving at least 500 state residents. Although Petco did not disclose the exact number of individuals affected, the lack of a specific figure suggests that the total may be higher. For context, Petco reported serving more than 24 million customers in 2022.

Petco has stated that it has sent notifications to individuals whose information was compromised. A sample notice released by the California attorney general explains that a software setting allowed certain files to be accessible online. The company has since removed those files, corrected the configuration error, and implemented additional security measures.

To assist victims in California, Massachusetts, and Montana, Petco is offering free credit and identity theft monitoring services. However, it remains unclear if similar support is available for affected residents in Texas.

A Petco representative provided a statement indicating that the company took immediate action upon identifying the issue. “We recently identified a setting in one of our applications which inadvertently made certain Petco files accessible online. Upon identifying the issue, we took immediate steps to correct the error and began an investigation. We notified individuals whose information was involved and continue to monitor for further issues. We take this incident seriously. To help prevent something like this from happening again, we have taken and will continue to take steps to enhance the security of our network,” the representative said.

The breach has raised concerns about the long-term risks associated with exposing sensitive information such as government IDs, financial numbers, and birth dates. Criminals can use this combination of data to open new accounts, take over existing ones, or attempt to pass identity checks. Even if immediate fraud does not occur, the exposed data can remain in criminal markets for years, posing ongoing risks to affected individuals.

In light of this incident, experts recommend several steps that individuals can take to mitigate their risk and protect their identities moving forward. One effective measure is to freeze credit, which prevents new credit accounts from being opened in one’s name. This can stop criminals from using stolen information to open loans or credit cards. Individuals can freeze their credit for free at major credit bureaus, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Additionally, individuals may consider freezing ChexSystems to prevent criminals from opening checking or savings accounts in their names and freezing NCTUE to block fraudulent utility accounts.

Setting up account alerts for banking, credit cards, and online shopping accounts can also help individuals quickly identify suspicious activity. Strong passwords are essential for protecting against credential stuffing attacks, where criminals use stolen passwords from one breach to access other accounts. Utilizing a password manager can help create unique passwords for every account, reducing the risk of such attacks.

Individuals should also check if their email addresses have been exposed in past breaches. Many password managers include built-in breach scanners that can alert users if their information appears in known leaks. If a match is found, it is crucial to change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

If Petco has offered free identity theft monitoring, it is advisable for affected individuals to enroll as soon as possible. These services can help monitor personal information, such as Social Security numbers and email addresses, alerting users if their data is being sold on the dark web or used to open accounts fraudulently. They can also assist in freezing bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use.

While no service can guarantee complete removal of personal data from the internet, data removal services can actively monitor and erase personal information from various websites, providing an additional layer of protection against identity theft.

As data breaches continue to occur, this incident underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting personal information. Individuals are encouraged to take proactive measures to reduce their risk of fraud and limit the potential impact of such breaches on their lives. The trust placed in companies to safeguard personal information is a critical issue that continues to resonate with consumers.

For further information on how to protect yourself from identity theft and to stay updated on security measures, visit CyberGuy.com.

Google has filed a lawsuit against a China-based criminal organization known as “Lighthouse,” alleging it operates a sophisticated online scam network targeting victims globally.

Google has taken decisive action against online scammers by filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit targets a sprawling criminal organization based in China, referred to as “Lighthouse,” which allegedly provides software and support to fraudsters engaged in various cybercrimes.

The Lighthouse operation is characterized as a large-scale, organized cybercrime network that reportedly operates on a global scale. According to the lawsuit, Lighthouse offers a phishing toolkit that enables extensive SMS, RCS, and iMessage campaigns, equipping its customers with ready-made templates designed for mass fraud.

While the identities and locations of the defendants remain largely unknown, the case highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercrime in 2025. This operation exemplifies a blend of automation, social engineering, and global distribution, raising concerns about the evolving landscape of online fraud. Legal proceedings are currently ongoing, and the final outcomes, including potential convictions or restitution, are yet to be determined.

The lawsuit alleges that the Lighthouse network operates a “Phishing-as-a-Service” (PhaaS) model, selling a software kit that includes hundreds of fake website templates aimed at would-be scammers. Google’s complaint indicates that nearly 200 of these templates have been designed to mimic legitimate U.S.-based sites, including the official website of New York City, the U.S. Postal Service, and the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

PhaaS is a criminal business model where cybercriminals provide tools, templates, and infrastructure to facilitate phishing attacks, even for those lacking technical expertise. Subscribers gain access to pre-made fake websites, email or SMS templates, and automated systems designed to steal login credentials, banking information, or personal data.

Some PhaaS platforms also offer ongoing support, updates to evade security filters, and various profit-sharing or subscription models. By industrializing phishing, PhaaS significantly lowers the barrier to entry, enabling large-scale, organized scams that can target millions of victims worldwide.

The Lighthouse network has allegedly targeted victims in over 120 countries, swindling millions of dollars annually. Screenshots included in the complaint reveal that the network has misused logos from several well-known payment, credit card, and social media companies to enhance the credibility of its fraudulent schemes.

Interestingly, Google does not know the actual identities of the individuals it is suing. The lawsuit refers to the defendants as “Does 1-25,” a legal strategy that allows the case to proceed without named defendants. This approach is common when the actual perpetrators are unknown, enabling legal action to commence while investigators work to uncover the identities of the alleged criminals.

Through the discovery process, Google can request records from third parties, including domain registrars, hosting providers, and messaging platforms, to trace IP addresses, account activity, and other evidence that may lead to the identification of those behind the Lighthouse operation.

Courts typically allow this method if the plaintiff demonstrates that the unknown defendants have caused harm and that their identities are likely discoverable. In cases of cybercrime like phishing-as-a-service, where operators often utilize pseudonyms, encrypted communications, and offshore infrastructure, the use of John Doe designations enables legal action to begin without waiting for the perpetrators to be identified. This expedites efforts to disrupt the criminal operation.

Halimah DeLaine Prado, Google’s general counsel, noted that over 100 of the templates used to create fake websites have included the company’s logos in areas where users are directed to sign in or make payments, thereby creating a false sense of legitimacy. “We are a global company. This hits all of our users,” she stated. “We’re concerned about the damage to user trust and not knowing what websites are safe.”

DeLaine Prado refrained from providing a specific dollar figure regarding the damage to Google, describing it as “a bit immeasurable.” However, she emphasized the extensive reach of the organization, highlighting that Lighthouse’s operations encompass fake websites, email and SMS campaigns, and automated systems that impersonate trusted organizations, including U.S.-based entities like the Postal Service, New York City government, and the DMV, as well as banks, payment platforms, and social media companies.

The scale and automation of the Lighthouse network—comprising tens of thousands of fraudulent websites and campaigns—illustrate the industrialization of phishing, allowing organized criminals to efficiently reach millions of potential victims. Legal actions, such as Google’s 2025 lawsuit, aim to disrupt the Lighthouse operation, although many of the individuals behind it remain unidentified.

Source: Original article

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is utilizing Axon’s AI program, Draft One, to streamline the report-writing process for deputies, saving valuable time in the field.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to gain traction across various sectors, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Arizona is exploring its potential applications in law enforcement. At the beginning of this year, deputies began a trial of Axon’s Draft One, an innovative program designed to assist in writing incident reports using AI technology.

Draft One operates by recording interactions through body cameras. The program then processes the audio along with any additional information provided by the deputy to generate a first draft of the report. This initial draft is not submitted as the final report; instead, deputies review and verify its completeness and accuracy before finalizing it.

“They’re able to verify the completeness, the accuracy, and all of that,” said Captain Derek Ogden. “But the initial first draft, they can’t submit as their case report.”

During a demonstration of the program, Deputy Dylan Lane illustrated how Draft One can significantly reduce the time required to complete a case report. What would typically take him around 30 minutes to finish can now be accomplished in just five minutes.

“Most of that time is just the quick changes, making sure that all the information is still accurate and then just adding in those little details,” Lane explained.

Captain Ogden emphasized that Draft One is particularly beneficial during shifts when deputies are responding to multiple incidents in quick succession. He noted that this program is one of several AI tools the department is investigating to enhance productivity and efficiency.

“Recently, we saw a detective from our criminal investigative division use AI to identify a deceased unidentified person,” Ogden said. “We’re also looking for ways to increase the productivity and efficiency of our patrol deputies and some of our corrections officers.”

Law enforcement agencies nationwide are increasingly evaluating how AI can assist in addressing resource shortages. Max Isaacs from The Policing Project, a non-profit organization affiliated with NYU School of Law that focuses on public safety and police accountability, highlighted the appeal of AI tools for budget-constrained policing agencies.

“A lot of policing agencies are budget constrained. It is very attractive to them to have a tool that could allow them to do more with less,” Isaacs stated. However, he also pointed out that while AI presents opportunities for resource savings, there is limited data available on the actual effectiveness of these programs.

“You have a lot of examples of crimes being solved or efficiencies being realized,” Isaacs noted. “But in terms of large-scale studies that rigorously show us the amount of benefit, we don’t have those yet.”

Concerns regarding the accuracy of AI systems were also raised. Isaacs cautioned that AI is not infallible and can rely on flawed data, which may lead to serious consequences such as false arrests or misdirected investigations.

“AI is not perfect. It can rely on data that is flawed. The system itself could be flawed. When you have errors in AI systems, that can lead to some pretty serious consequences,” he said.

In response to these concerns, Captain Ogden acknowledged the potential for inaccuracies in AI-generated reports. He reiterated the importance of human oversight, emphasizing that every report produced with Draft One must be reviewed by a deputy before submission.

Following a successful trial involving 20 deputies, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department plans to expand the use of Draft One to corrections officers, further integrating AI into their operations.

Source: Original article

Columbia University has confirmed a significant data breach affecting nearly 869,000 individuals, exposing sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers and academic records.

Columbia University has recently disclosed a major cyberattack that has compromised the personal, financial, and health-related information of approximately 869,000 individuals, including current and former students, employees, and applicants. Notifications to those affected began on August 7 and are ongoing.

The breach was discovered following a network outage in June, which Columbia attributed to unauthorized access by an external party. Investigators are currently assessing the full extent of the data theft, which reportedly includes about 460 gigabytes of sensitive information.

According to a breach notification filed with the Maine Attorney General’s office, the compromised data encompasses admissions, enrollment, and financial aid records, as well as certain employee information. However, Columbia has confirmed that patient records from the Columbia University Irving Medical Center were not affected by this breach.

The university has taken steps to report the incident to law enforcement and is collaborating with cybersecurity experts to address the situation. In response to the breach, Columbia has implemented new safeguards and enhanced protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As part of its response, Columbia began mailing letters to affected individuals, offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring, fraud consultation, and identity theft restoration services. While the university has stated that there is currently no evidence of misuse of the stolen data, the risk of identity theft and fraud remains a significant concern, as criminals often exploit stolen information months after a breach.

Individuals affected by the breach are encouraged to take proactive measures to safeguard their personal information. Regularly checking credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com can help identify unauthorized accounts or changes. Additionally, using personal data removal services can assist in scrubbing information from data brokers and people search sites, making it more difficult for criminals to exploit exposed details.

While no service can guarantee complete removal of personal data from the internet, utilizing a data removal service can be a prudent choice. These services actively monitor and systematically erase personal information from various websites, reducing the risk of identity theft.

In addition to these measures, placing a fraud alert on credit reports can make it more challenging for identity thieves to open accounts in an individual’s name. A credit freeze offers even stronger protection by blocking new credit applications altogether.

Creating long, complex passwords for each account is another essential step in protecting personal information. A password manager can assist in generating and securely storing these passwords. Furthermore, individuals should check if their email addresses have been exposed in past breaches, as many password managers include breach scanners to alert users of potential vulnerabilities.

Turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible adds an extra layer of security to accounts, helping to protect them even if a password is compromised. It is also crucial to be vigilant against potential scams that may arise in the wake of the breach, as criminals often exploit fear to target victims with fraudulent emails or texts.

To protect against malicious links that could install malware, individuals should ensure they have strong antivirus software installed on all devices. This software can help detect phishing emails and ransomware scams, safeguarding personal information and digital assets.

Beyond the free credit monitoring services offered by Columbia, additional paid services can help track personal data across the dark web and provide extra safeguards. Identity theft protection companies can monitor sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers and email addresses, alerting users if their information is being sold or used fraudulently.

The breach at Columbia University underscores the vulnerability of even trusted institutions to cyberattacks. As the investigation continues and notifications are expected to roll out through the fall, individuals are advised to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their personal information.

As discussions around data security continue, questions arise regarding what further measures universities and large institutions should implement to safeguard the personal data of those who place their trust in them.

Source: Original article

The notorious people search site National Public Data has relaunched under new ownership after a massive data breach that exposed the personal information of 3 billion individuals, raising significant privacy concerns.

National Public Data (NPD), a controversial people search site, has made its return to the internet despite a previous breach that affected the personal information of 3 billion individuals. The site’s relaunch has reignited concerns about privacy and data security.

More than a year ago, NPD gained notoriety for one of the largest data breaches in history, which led to the exposure of sensitive information belonging to billions. Following its disappearance from the web, the site has resurfaced under new ownership, specifically Perfect Privacy LLC. It is important to note that this company is not affiliated with the VPN service of the same name.

Despite the change in ownership, the business model of NPD remains unchanged. The site continues to allow users to search for personal data about friends, relatives, or even strangers using just a name. This functionality raises ongoing concerns about how such data can be misused, particularly in contexts like employment, housing, or credit decisions.

NPD claims that the information it provides comes from various sources, including public records, property ownership databases, social media, and government agencies. The company asserts that it verifies and filters this data to ensure accuracy and currency. However, users may still encounter inaccuracies, as a quick test search revealed a mix of outdated and correct information. The site appeared to struggle with hyphenated names but successfully retrieved accurate details in other instances.

Attempts to reach NPD for comment went unanswered before the deadline for this article.

For individuals who prefer not to have their information accessible on NPD’s platform, there is an option to request removal. However, each profile requires a separate request and confirmation email. After submitting a request, users should follow up in a few days to ensure their data has been removed. A helpful tip is to use an alias or disposable email address for these requests, making it easier to track confirmations and keep the main inbox uncluttered.

Removing personal information from NPD is just the beginning of the privacy battle. Numerous other people search sites may still display personal details, as many of these platforms draw from the same public databases. Consequently, addresses, phone numbers, and relatives’ names can continue to resurface online.

The return of NPD serves as a stark reminder of how quickly data can reappear on the internet. While a breach may fade from public attention, the exposed information often remains accessible. To safeguard privacy, individuals need a comprehensive strategy. Regularly searching for one’s name on various people search engines is advisable, as it helps identify new profiles before they proliferate.

In addition to NPD, other sites such as Whitepages, Spokeo, and Radaris often host similar data. Conducting periodic checks can help users stay informed about their online presence.

For those seeking a more efficient approach, data removal services can scan multiple databases simultaneously. These services request opt-outs on behalf of users and monitor for new listings. While no service can guarantee complete removal of personal data from the internet, employing a data removal service can be a prudent choice. Such services actively work to erase personal information from numerous websites, providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of scammers accessing data from breaches.

In addition to removing profiles, individuals should remain vigilant about monitoring their bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts. Exposed data can be exploited for phishing attempts, fraudulent loan applications, or identity theft. Staying alert to suspicious activity can provide early warnings of potential issues.

To further protect against malicious links that could install malware and compromise personal information, it is essential to have robust antivirus software installed on all devices. This software can also alert users to phishing emails and ransomware scams, safeguarding personal information and digital assets.

Setting up alerts for identity theft is another proactive measure. Many banks and credit monitoring services allow users to create alerts for suspicious activity. Additionally, individuals can establish free fraud alerts with credit bureaus, prompting lenders to take extra steps to verify identity before issuing new credit.

People search sites frequently pull records from government databases. Therefore, reviewing local county property, court, or voter registration records can be beneficial. Some jurisdictions permit requests for redactions or limitations on what is displayed online. Furthermore, tightening privacy settings on social media platforms can help limit what strangers can see, reducing the amount of public information available for collection.

The resurgence of National Public Data highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting personal information in an increasingly digital world. Even if individuals successfully remove their data from one site, numerous others may still retain their details. Consequently, safeguarding privacy requires more than a simple opt-out; it necessitates regular monitoring, credit freezes, and enhanced account vigilance to stay ahead of potential threats.

As the conversation around data privacy continues, individuals are left to ponder whether stronger laws should be enacted to prevent companies from collecting and selling personal data or if the responsibility lies solely with individuals to protect themselves.

Source: Original article