Major data broker hack impacts 364,000 individuals data

Published: Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 2:00 pm

Data Broker Breach Exposes Personal Information of Over 364,000 Individuals

A recent data breach at a major data broker has exposed sensitive personal information, impacting over 364,000 individuals. The breach, which occurred through a third-party software development platform, went undetected for months, highlighting the vulnerabilities within the data industry.

The compromised data includes a range of personal details, such as full names, birthdates, phone numbers, mailing and email addresses, Social Security numbers, and driver's license numbers. This information is particularly valuable as it can be used for identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities.

Data brokers, companies that collect and sell personal information, operate largely behind the scenes. They gather data from various sources, compiling detailed profiles used by businesses for risk assessment, fraud detection, and other purposes. This incident underscores the significant amount of personal data these companies possess and the potential risks associated with their operations.

Protecting Your Data After a Breach

Following a data breach, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect your personal information. Here are some key recommendations:

* Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your financial statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
* Secure Your Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and consider using a password manager.
* Be Wary of Phishing: Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages asking for personal information.
* Consider Data Removal Services: Explore services that help remove your data from the internet.
* Review Privacy Settings: Adjust privacy settings on social media and other online platforms.
* Use Privacy-Focused Tools: Utilize browser extensions and search engines that prioritize privacy.

BNN's Perspective:

This breach serves as a stark reminder of the importance of data security and the need for greater transparency and regulation within the data broker industry. While individuals should take steps to protect their data, the onus is also on these companies to implement robust security measures and be held accountable for data breaches. A balanced approach, combining individual responsibility with stronger industry oversight, is essential to safeguard personal information in the digital age.

Keywords: Data breach, data broker, personal information, LexisNexis, security, privacy, identity theft, fraud, online safety, data protection, data removal, privacy settings, phishing, passwords, data security, third-party software, GitHub, breach, sensitive data, consumer data, cyber security, online privacy

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