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Leaked: Social Security Numbers of Every American?
Unconfirmed Data Breach Threatens Entire US Population
What We Know
* A class-action lawsuit alleges the US Department of Defense (DoD) offered to sell stolen records containing personal data of every US citizen and UK resident. * The hacker claims these files include 27 billion records, each listing a person's full name. * In April, cybersecurity company Hackmanac reported that hackers may have leaked Social Security Numbers (SSNs) of every American. * The validity of this claim remains unconfirmed. * A cybersecurity expert posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the DoD claims to be selling these records.
What We Don't Know
* It is unclear whether the full SSNs of every American were indeed leaked. * The scope of the compromised financial data beyond SSNs is unknown. * The parties involved in the alleged transaction, including the buyers and sellers, have not been identified.
Potential Impact
* If true, this breach could expose the personal information of every US citizen to identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities. * Compromised SSNs can enable attackers to access sensitive financial accounts, medical records, and government benefits. * Loss of trust in government agencies and the security of sensitive information.
Next Steps
* Authorities are investigating the allegations and attempting to confirm the extent of the breach. * Individuals should monitor their credit reports and financial statements for any suspicious activity. * US citizens can contact the Social Security Administration for guidance and support. * Vigilance and caution are recommended to mitigate potential risks.
Sources
* Class-Action Filed Over Sale of Stolen U.S. DoD Records * Leaked: The Social Security Numbers of Every American * BREAKING: US DoD claims to be selling every US and UK citizen's (27 billion people) PII.