Louisiana Residents Warned: Social Security Numbers Could Be At Risk

Louisiana residents are being warned about a major data breach that could have exposed the Social Security numbers and other personal information of millions of people. This breach may have left sensitive data, like names, addresses, and even details about family members, in the hands of a hacking group called USDoD.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

If you think your information might have been stolen, here are some important steps you should take to protect yourself:

• Update Your Antivirus Software: Make sure your antivirus is up to date and scan all your devices for any malware. If you find anything suspicious, your antivirus should help you remove it. In some cases, you might need professional help.
• Change Your Passwords: Update the passwords for your bank accounts, email, and other services. Use strong passwords that are different for each account. Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information that could be easily guessed by a hacker.
• Use Multifactor Authentication: If any of your accounts offer multifactor authentication, make sure to enable it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification when logging in.
• Check Your Credit Report: Regularly check your credit report for any suspicious activity. If you notice anything unusual, you can ask credit bureaus to freeze your credit to prevent unauthorized use.

SO WHAT HAPPENED?

According to reports from The Los Angeles Times and other sources, the hacking group claims to have stolen personal records from 2.9 billion people worldwide. These records were allegedly taken from a database called National Public Data back in April. The stolen information includes 277.1 gigabytes of data, which dates back at least 30 years.

This stolen data has reportedly been put up for sale on the dark web, with the hackers asking for $3.5 million. Even worse, some of this data was leaked for free by another hacker in August, making the situation even more dangerous.

This breach is a reminder of how important it is to protect your personal information. Stay alert and take steps to secure your data, especially if you live in Louisiana, where residents may be at higher risk.