Massive data breaches: Safeguarding your data
Massive data breaches: Safeguarding your data
In today's digital age, our personal information is more vulnerable than ever. Recent high-profile data breaches exposing billons of people's information are stark reminders of the ongoing threat to our privacy and financial security.
Learn about two major data breach incidents and find out how AAA's ProtectMyID® Essential service can help safeguard your identity.
AAA Members: Activate your complimentary ProtectMyID® Essential service today!
National Public Data's massive exposure
National Public Data, a public records data provider, is at the center of an alarming data breach reported by Tom's Guide. The breach exposed a staggering 2.9 billion data records. The compromised personal information includes:
- Full names
- Complete address histories (up to 30 years)
- Social Security Numbers
This breach resulted from the company's practice of scraping personally identifiable information (PII) from non-public sources. The stolen data was reportedly offered for sale on the dark web for $3.5 million.1
Ticketmaster's cloud database breach
Ticketmaster recently discovered unauthorized activity on a third-party cloud database, potentially exposing customer information including:
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Encrypted credit card information
- Other personal data
This breach affected North American ticket purchasers between April 2 and May 18, 2024. Ticketmaster is offering affected customers 12 months of free credit/identity monitoring services and advising them to monitor their bank accounts and credit scores. (SILive.com)2
The growing threat of identity theft
These breaches underscore the increasing vulnerability of our personal information. With such extensive data in the hands of cybercriminals, the risks of identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities are significantly heightened.
Experian.com recommends practicing good password hygiene to protect your accounts:
- Use unique passwords for each account to prevent thieves from accessing multiple accounts with the same login info.
- Consider a password manager to generate and store secure passwords. Free options are available, but paid versions offer more features.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security by requiring a confirmation code at login.
Additionally, consider applying a free security freeze, which limits access to your credit report at a specific credit bureau. You will have to "unfreeze" your account to apply for additional credit or to have a creditor view your credit report.3
Protect yourself with AAA's ProtectMyID Essential
In light of these threats, proactive identity protection is more crucial than ever. AAA's ProtectMyID® Essential Legacy service, powered by Experian®, a global leader in protecting personal information, offers comprehensive protection to help safeguard your identity:
- Credit monitoring from Experian®
- Experian® credit report (upon enrollment)
- Identity theft insurance up to $10,000 (Premier members only)
- Lost wallet protection
- Fraud resolution support
Take action today
Don't wait until it's too late. In an era where data breaches are becoming increasingly common and severe, protecting your identity is not just an option – it's a necessity.
As an AAA Member, you have access to ProtectMyID® Essential Legacy at no additional cost. Activate your protection today and take a crucial step towards securing your personal and financial information.
Remember, while we can't always prevent data breaches, we can be prepared and protected. With AAA's ProtectMyID® Essential Legacy, you'll have the tools and support needed to navigate the complex landscape of digital security with confidence.
Activate your ProtectMyID® Essential Legacy service today!